Shakib to play Test series against South Africa unless injured

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will join the Bangladesh team for the home Test series against South Africa, as long as he doesn't get injured or have a selection issue, an official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed.

Shakib, a lawmaker from the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, was charged in a murder case after the government was overthrown during a mass uprising. He has not returned to Bangladesh since then and has played two away series in Pakistan and India from abroad. However, since Bangladesh will face South Africa in a two-match Test series at home, he will need to return to the country if he wants to play.

"I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan and there is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed,” Shahriar Nafees, in-charge of the BCB's cricket operations, said on Monday.

“We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don't see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series."