‘They can doubt me’ – Shakib Al Hasan on having Bangladesh teammates’ trust after returning from suspension

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh cricketer, said that his national teammates have every right to not trust him after the ICC suspended him for concealing information regarding corrupt approaches. On Thursday, October 29, the 33-year-old’s ban ended and he is set to mark his return to competitive cricket. He hasn’t played any form of cricket since the 2019 CPL back in October 2019.

Though the veteran doesn’t reckon that his mates doubt him, he understands that the players not showing trust won’t be something unnatural. It’s almost 14 months since he last donned the national jersey during a tri-nation T20I series at home, also involving Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, in September 2019.

“It’s a difficult question (whether they will doubt me) because I am not sure what is going through any one’s mind. They can doubt me or have no trust in me and I don’t disapprove it totally,” Shakib was quoted as saying in an interview with Cricbuzz.

“But as I have spoken with almost everyone, I did not feel it that way (that they are distrusting me). I think they will believe me like the way they used to do but as you said anyone can have doubt over me at some corner of his mind because it is such a thing,” he stated.

My plan is to reach where I have left: Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib’s suspension came at a time when he was at the peak of his powers. Albeit the Tigers couldn’t make the 2020 World Cup semis, he performed to expectations, both with bat and ball. In the tournament, he also notched centuries against England and the West Indies.

“My plan is to reach where I have left and I am determined to do that. I want to repay you back for all the support. The fans were behind me more than my expectations,” the veteran mentioned while talking about his goals for the upcoming times.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, Shakib spent time with his family in the United States of America (USA). In the tough times, he also worked through his foundation, lending his helping hand for the needy. Back in April, he also became a father to a second child with wife Umme Ahmed Shishir.