Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan finds himself embroiled in legal trouble yet again as a court issued an arrest warrant on Sunday for bounced cheques amounting to over $300,000. This marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the former lawmaker, whose reputation has been under scrutiny in recent years.
Legal Troubles Escalate
Mohammed Shahibur Rahman, a representative of IFIC Bank, confirmed the warrant, stating, “The court has previously summoned Shakib Al Hasan, but he did not appear.” The bank initiated legal proceedings after the cheques in question were returned unpaid.
Political Links and Fallout
Shakib’s political affiliations have further complicated his troubles. Once aligned with Sheikh Hasina’s government, Shakib became a focal point of public criticism following the administration’s collapse during a revolution in August 2024. Hasina, widely regarded as an autocratic leader, fled to India amid the uprising, leaving behind a fractured political landscape.
While Shakib has not been directly charged, his ties to the former government have drawn scrutiny, including allegations linking him to violent police actions against protesters during the revolution.
Absence from Bangladesh and Cricketing Career
At the time of Hasina’s fall, Shakib was playing in a domestic Twenty20 competition in Canada and has not returned to Bangladesh since. His absence has fuelled speculation about his legal and political status, casting a shadow over his once-celebrated cricketing career.
With an illustrious record of 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, amassing 712 wickets across formats, Shakib has long been a cornerstone of Bangladeshi cricket. However, his influence on the international stage has waned in recent years.
Omission from Champions Trophy Squad
In another blow to his cricketing journey, Shakib was left out of Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan and Dubai. Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the team as Bangladesh faces a tough Group ‘A,’ including India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
The Road Ahead
As legal and political challenges mount, Shakib’s future remains uncertain. His absence from the Champions Trophy highlights a tumultuous period for one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated sports figures, with his legacy now clouded by controversy both on and off the field.
