The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have confirmed that the door is open for Shakib Al Hasan to return to international cricket, despite the all-rounder receiving a two-year ban for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code after failing to report approaches to engage in corrupt conduct.
BCB president Nazmul Hassan stressed in a statement that his organisation were “shocked and disappointed” by the actions of their star player, but confirmed that there would be nothing preventing him from playing for Bangladesh again once his sanction is complete.
“While the BCB is shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib had failed to report corrupt approach on three occasions, at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC ACU and has pledged his commitment to its education programme,” he said.
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“We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years when his sanction will be over. During the suspension the BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket. The BCB respects the ICC’s decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket.”
The BCB have also announced replacements for Shakib as Bangladesh’s Test and T20I skipper. Mominul Haque will lead Bangladesh’s Test side on their tour of India next month, with Mahmudullah to take the reigns during the T20I leg.
