Rangpur Riders wanted to sign Shakib Al Hasan for the Global Super League (GSL), but considering the overall situation in the country, the current tournament champions ultimately decided not to include Bangladesh’s star all-rounder in their squad.
Rangpur Riders announced their squad on June 20 ahead of the second edition of the GSL, scheduled from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana Providence Stadium. Nurul Hasan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will lead the team again after guiding them to last year’s title.
Shakib, a former MP of the ousted Awami League government, has not returned to Bangladesh since the government changed. He was even unable to play his farewell Test against South Africa at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium last October.
At a press conference about the GSL, Rangpur Riders’ team director Shanian Tanin addressed why Shakib was not included.
“Shakib Al Hasan could be one of the most valuable cricketers not just for Bangladesh but for any franchise worldwide. It’s not that we didn’t want to have him on our team. But everyone knows the current situation in the country. Because of this situation, we couldn’t bring him on board.”
When asked if there was any directive from higher authorities regarding Shakib’s exclusion, Tanin replied, “No one gave us any instruction on whether we could sign Shakib or not. The decision was entirely up to the management. Given the current situation in the country, we don’t know how people would react if we had signed him. Shakib is also aware of the situation.”
Regarding Rangpur captain Nurul, Tanin said, “I only know Shakib Al Hasan the cricketer. I would always want to share the dressing room with him. It’s an honor for me. Whatever team Shakib is in, that team benefits greatly. Bangladesh has seen this for many years. There is no chance to neglect cricketer Shakib Al Hasan.”
