The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed believes that ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan currently is not in mental state to contribute to the country in the highest level of cricket.
His comment gave an indication that Shakib won't be part of Bangladesh's ODI squad for the three-match series against West Indies.
"I can't really answer much about Shakib Al Hasan," Faruque told the reporters during the mascot launching program of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at a city hotel today.
"I don't get embarrassed when I'm asked repeatedly. I want Shakib to play. But his matter is not in our hands. The reason why he can't come has nothing to do with the cricket board. So it's very difficult for me to answer it. There are law enforcement agencies and courts; they have to resolve the matter."
Shakib, a former lawmaker of the ousted Awami League government, played Pakistan and India series from outside of the country. He last played for Bangladesh in September in India, where he announced his retirement from T20Is, but hoped to play his final Test against South Africa at home.
But that didn't happen due to security reasons, as there is a murder case filed against him during the July movement.
Faruque also believes that Shakib still has the ability to play the Champions Trophy, a tournament after which the allrounder is believed to retire from the ODI cricket too.
"Shakib has the ability to play for the national team. He is on our radar (for the Champions Trophy), but the issue related to him should be resolved first," Faruque said.
"Playing in franchise leagues abroad and playing for the national team are not the same. The national team requires a certain combination.
Considering all these things, I reckon Shakib probably is not in the mental state to contribute to level right now. However, we've left this decision to him."
