Former Bangladesh captain and now the national selector Habibul Bashar is shocked that how an experienced player like Shakib Al Hasan didn’t report the corrupt approaches to the ICC and says his return would not be easy. The world’s No.1 ODI all-rounder was banned by the ICC for two years on Tuesday, including one year being suspended, for failing to report the corrupt approaches from the alleged bookie Deepak Aggarwal thrice, including one during IPL in 2018.

“It is a tough ask. Shakib will be out of cricket for a year, which will be mentally tough for him…After one year, to first make a comeback and then strive to reach where you were before the ban is a tall order but not impossible,” Bashar told PTI in an interview.

“Because the name of the player is Shakib, I have faith in his ability and talent. There have been spells of injuries, where has been out for three to six months. I have seen him make comebacks from rehabilitation and then very quickly get back into the groove…He is a seasoned player and there’s no reason that he can’t do it again,” he added.

For now, Habibul Bashar is yet to get over from the shock.

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“It is shocking for me. But I will take solace from the fact that having known Shakib for long, I knew he would never indulge in any corrupt practice. That he has not been indicted by the ICC on corruption charges is a big relief as far as I am concerned,” said Bashar. “But yeah, I am also surprised like anyone as to why a mature boy like Shakib didn’t report the matter to the ICC’s anti-corruption unit.”

Bashar admitted that this is certainly a blow to Bangladesh cricket but at the same time they have to move on and look forward.

“It is undoubtedly a big blow for Bangladesh cricket. A player of Shakib’s calibre won’t be available for a year. It’s a huge setback but we need to move on from this and emerge stronger as a team,” he added.

“It’s not that we have not played without Shakib in the past. We have played and also won matches in his absence. Obviously, we will miss him but we have got to do with the resources that we have,” Bashar said.

“Those who would be playing need to put their hands up and take extra responsibility. Our focus shouldn’t waiver as everything from now, planning, strategy, execution should only be around this series,” said the selector.