As ICC Ban Looms Large, Shakib Al Hasan Likely To Miss India Tour

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is doubtful for India tour next month amid reports that the ICC is considering an 18-month ban for him after he allegedly failed to report a corrupt approach two years ago. The star Bangladeshi all-rounder was even kept away from practice by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reportedly on insistence of the ICC.

Two years ago, Shakib had reportedly received an offer from a bookie, which he did not report to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). Following the report, the country’s Cricket Board chief Nazmul Hassan has also questioned his attitude.

"Everything is murky. If someone doesn't want to go, there is no issue if they communicate early. There is a kind of feeling of being indispensable within the team. Attitude has to be right," Hassan told the 'Daily Star'.

"This (attitude) was not there before. There may be logical reason and I will see to those later. Right now, my concern is the India tour. I am not worried about the pipeline. We have many players," he asserted.

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Shakib recently spearheaded a players' strike before calling it off after the BCB assured that their demands, including a pay hike, will be fulfilled. With the ICC considering a ban on Shakib, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) problems ahead of the tour of India are likely to be compounded. Bangladeshi team is scheduled to tour India for three T20 Internationals and two Tests, starting November 3.

The squad is set to leave for the neighbouring country on Wednesday and Shakib is not going to be a part of the touring party. In his absence, senior-most player Mushfiqur Rahim might lead the team in Tests while one among Mahmudullah Riyadh Mosaddek Hosain is set to be the skipper in the three T20 Internationals.