‘Lot of relief’ for Shakib on return to the country

Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan arrived in the country yesterday night for the first time since his ban from cricket was lifted. Returning to Bangladesh this time held special significance for Shakib.

"Returning home this time is obviously different since other times I return after playing from somewhere or after visiting a place. Although this time too I have returned after finishing some work but what's different is that I have been able to erase the pressure on me," Shakib told reporters.

Shakib returned from USA late Thursday night via Qatar Airways flight. The all-rounder had previously come in to the country before the scheduled tour of Sri Lanka and trained at the BKSP in order to prepare himself for a return to cricket following a one-year ban imposed by the ICC for failing to report corrupt approaches. The scheduled tour of Sri Lanka was cancelled and Shakib flew back to USA to await the ban being lifted on October 29.

There would be no more restrictions to training and playing matches. Shakib's relief was apparent.

"There is a lot of relief this time round. I wasn't this relieved the last time around. Now my responsibility is to repay the love, prayers and support from everyone," he said.

Shakib attending a commercial event at Gulshan today. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Shakib will not however be in a hurry to get back cricket, citing that he needs adequate preparations.

"I hope to be able to reach my previous level as soon as possible but I don't want to hurry. I will need time just like everyone else and hopefully I will get that time."

Shakib is likely to make his return to cricket with the T20 tournament being arranged by the BCB as part of its effort to get cricket back into the field amidst the coronavirus pandemic. With West Indies set to tour Bangladesh next year, Shakib sees the T20 tournament as good opportunity to get some much-needed cricketing action.

"If I can play the whole [BCB] tournament, then my preparation would be very good. Since West Indies are set to visit, this tournament is the only place where I can prepare," he concluded.