Shakib Al Hasan Ready to Face Trial in Bangladesh if Security Guaranteed: Reuters

Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has stated that he is prepared to return to Bangladesh and face trial for all pending cases including murder and corruption charges provided he receives a guarantee of personal safety.

In an exclusive telephone interview with British news agency Reuters, Shakib expressed his desire to play a farewell series on home soil and voiced hope to represent Bangladesh in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Currently playing franchise cricket in Sri Lanka, the former captain told Reuters, "If I get clearance from the government that my security will be guaranteed, I am willing to go back, face the court's trial, and do whatever is necessary." Dismissing the allegations against him as completely baseless, Shakib stated, "I know I have done nothing wrong."

He noted that he currently faces two primary legal cases: one related to a murder during the 2024 student-led mass uprising, and another involving corruption charges initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Calling the murder case "ridiculous," Shakib pointed out that he was playing a match in Toronto on the day the incident took place and added that he has not yet appointed a lawyer for the case.

Addressing his plans to return, Shakib emphasized that he wants to go back immediately. If that proves impossible, he stated he would try to return in December alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "We follow what our leader says. I believe they will make the right decision, and we will follow the instructions given by them," Shakib remarked.

Commenting on his recent virtual participation in a press conference with Sheikh Hasina from Delhi, Shakib explained that he merely called for peace and the progress of Bangladesh, adding that he has no regrets about doing so.

Shakib revealed that he had attempted to return to Bangladesh on multiple occasions. Towards the end of 2024, after receiving security assurances from the interim government, he boarded a flight home and confirmed his travel details with officials at the airport. However, he was asked to turn back mid-transit and had to fly back to the United States via Dubai.

A subsequent attempt was halted after he posted a birthday wish to Sheikh Hasina on social media. Shakib mentioned that officials cited the post as the reason for denying him entry, a logic he found difficult to comprehend.

He also rejected suggestions that severing political ties with the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina would facilitate his return, explicitly clarifying that he would not consider taking such a step.

Regarding his retirement from cricket, the 39-year-old noted he cannot wait indefinitely. "I am playing in most franchise leagues. I am doing well, enjoying the game, and performing. But age is not on my side at this point, so I cannot wait for very long," he said.

Shakib also shared that his bank accounts have remained frozen for nearly a year and a half due to ongoing investigations. Furthermore, he has been unable to visit his parents in Bangladesh for the past two years a situation he described as challenging for his family, though they are managing through it.