Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan is facing fresh legal issues after a court issued an arrest warrant on Sunday due to bounced cheques totaling over $300,000. This marks another setback for the former lawmaker, who has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
Legal Troubles Intensify
Mohammed Shahibur Rahman, a representative of IFIC Bank, confirmed the arrest warrant, stating that Shakib had previously been summoned but failed to appear in court. The legal case was filed by the bank after the cheques were returned unpaid.
Political Fallout
Shakib’s political affiliations have complicated his situation further. A former lawmaker aligned with Sheikh Hasina’s government, Shakib became a target of public criticism following the collapse of Hasina’s administration during an uprising in August 2024. Hasina, an autocratic leader, fled to India via helicopter during the revolt.
Read More: Who is Himani Mor? Meet Neeraj Chopra’s Rumored Love Interest
Although Shakib has not been formally charged, his association with the ousted government has linked him to murder investigations tied to a violent police crackdown on protestors during the revolution.
Absence from Bangladesh and Cricket
At the time of Hasina’s downfall, Shakib was competing in a domestic Twenty20 tournament in Canada and has not returned to Bangladesh since, which has fueled speculation about his legal and political standing.
Despite his impressive cricket credentials—71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is with a total of 712 wickets—Shakib’s influence in international cricket has diminished.
Exclusion from Champions Trophy Squad
Shakib was notably excluded from Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan and Dubai. The team, now led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will compete in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
The Road Ahead
With legal and political challenges intensifying, Shakib’s once-promising cricket career faces an uncertain future. As Bangladesh prepares for a crucial Champions Trophy campaign, the absence of one of its most celebrated players highlights the shifting dynamics both on and off the field.
