DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) The Bangladesh Cricket Board has lifted the suspension on fast bowler Shahadat Hossain on humanitarian grounds.
Shahadat had been suspended since September 2015 after a case was filed against him and his wife under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on charges of assaulting their 11-year old housemaid. They were arrested on Oct. 5 and granted bail in December.
''The BCB's disciplinary committee has taken the decision to withdraw the playing ban on Shahadat for humanitarian considerations following an appeal by the player,'' CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said. ''The ruling, effective from today, is applicable for participation in domestic cricket only.''
Shahadat, playing for Bangladesh since 2005, cannot play international cricket until his legal problems are resolved. He is likely to play in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
Shahadat hasn't played competitive cricket for a year, when he injured his knee in the second test against Pakistan in Mirpur. He was suspended while recovering, and claims to be fully fit.
Expressing his gratitude to the board, he said, ''I felt really bad missing out on so much cricket, but I am thankful to the BCB for letting me play, and always helping me in my bad times.''
