DHAKA, Dec 21, 2024 (BSS)-The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president 
Faruque Ahmed today categorically said Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, the 
senior two cricketers who haven't been in national set up for a long time are 
available for the selection of the Champions Trophy next year.

Ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan's issue has been complicated as he didn't 
return to the country following the ouster of the Awami League government in 
which he was a former lawmaker. 

Recently he has also been banned from bowling after his bowling action found 
to be illegal. But he will continue to bat.

Tamim Iqbal meanwhile has been absent from the International cricket since 
the last year following his scuffle with the then BCB management, led by 
Nazmul Hassan Papon.

Faruque said since the senior duo doesn't retire from the International 
cricket, technically there is no bar on them if the selectors feel that their 
service is needed for the national team. 

"There is no policy yet in this regard. They are not amongst them who retired 
from the cricket and if the selectors think their service is needed, then 
they (selection panel) can talk to them," Faruque said here today after a 
board of directors' meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

When asked whether they are available, Faruque further said, "I have told you 
one thing, if a cricketer isn't retired, he is definitely available for 
selection."

Earlier, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu had expressed his hope to 
get Tamim after his excellent performance in the NCL T20. However, he put the 
ball in BCB's court. 

 "Tamim Iqbal has started playing, which gives us hope. I believe we will 
soon be able to know whether he will be available for the Champions Trophy or 
not. If he is available, then it's great," Ashraf said.

Although the BCB President said that Shakib is available like Tamim for the 
Champions Trophy, he could not give any new information about the allrounder.

"The issue of Shakib is a completely different matter. This is nothing new. 
The last time we played in the West Indies, he was not in the mental state to 
play International cricket and so he was unavailable," Faruque said.

"Now only Shakib can actually say whether he will play in the BPL... I can't 
really say about his condition. I don't have any update on him."

Tamim is playing in the NCL currently and will also lead Fortune Barishal in 
BPL, which starts on December 30. Shakib though couldn't come to the country, 
he is playing franchise cricket. 

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held on February 19. The tournament 
will be played in a hybrid model. Although the matter is final, the schedule 
has not been announced yet.