Shakib Al Hasan has been in the news for his recent ban. However, T20 captain Mahmudullah Riyad said on Saturday that all-rounder Shakib remains a loved character in Bangladesh cricket and he will be welcomed with open arms when he will return. Shakib has handed over a ban for the two years by the ICC (one year suspended) for not reporting the alleged corruption approaches by Indian bookie during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Let me tell you. We loved Shakib, still love Shakib and will continue loving Shakib. And when he comes back, he will be welcomed with open arms,” Mahmudullah Riyad told reporters before the first T20 against India. “When he enters the dressing room, we will all give him a tight hug.”

The captain now wants all the youngsters should raise their game and perform.

“That’s an issue that has gone by. We are focussing on playing tomorrow and win the game. Probably, it will be a proper opportunity for the younger guys to show up and stand up for the Bangladesh team,” he said.

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Shakib Al Hasan is likely to miss the World T20 next year as well.

“We have been exposed every now and then. We can give enough runs or foundation to the bowlers to prove themselves,” he said. “Young (Aminul Islam) Biplab is a good find. We wanted to have a good wrist spinner in our side. He showed his potential in the last series against Afghanistan. But in India, it will be different conditions. They have been dominating series at their home. It’s time for players to grab the opportunity.”

“If you see our fast bowling department, we have good fast bowlers. Mashrafe (Mortaza), Mutafizur Rahaman and Shafi (Mohammed Saifuddin) are experienced. It’s a proper opportunity for us to show our performance in this tour,” he added.