Shakib must clear legal hurdles to return: Aminul

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said today that Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza would be welcomed back to cricket if they can resolve the legal proceedings against them.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially spoken about Shakib’s return following a recent board meeting, and there are suggestions that the all-rounder may even feature in the upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan, starting on March 11.

Aminul had previously stated that the government would take a lenient stance regarding the cases against Shakib and Mashrafe. Speaking after a program at Pallabi Bidyaniketan on Wednesday, Aminul said that Shakib and Mashrafe, however, would still have to face and resolve the cases against them.

“Shakib and Mashrafe are legendary cricketers. I have seen the love of the people of Bangladesh for them and their attraction to cricket. I feel that the legal cases against them were the state’s decision,” he said.

Aminul noted that Shakib and Mashrafe should address the cases through their lawyers in accordance with state laws.

“As a sportsperson, I believe they should address those legal issues personally through their lawyers, in accordance with the law.

“Through their lawyers, if they face the legal proceedings against them and resolve everything to prove their innocence to return to the field, I will welcome them. We will be hundred percent flexible in that regard,” Aminul added.

Shakib, a former Awami League MP, has not returned to the country since the Awami League-led government was ousted in August 2024. His last match for Bangladesh was the Kanpur Test during the Tigers’ tour of India in September 2024.

Meanwhile, BCB sources have claimed that documents related to the cases against Shakib were forwarded to the government yesterday.

“The documents were forwarded yesterday, but since this is a policymaking issue, it will be handled by the relevant authorities, and for now, the board is not involved in the proceedings. If anything is required [from the board], we will be notified,” a BCB official said on condition of anonymity.