Fast-bowler Rubel Hossain, who has been named in the Bangladesh squad for the ICC World Cup 2015, has been sent to jail after being remanded in custody over the allegations that he had raped an actress. A magistrate in the capital Dhaka delivered the order after 19-year-old Naznin Akter Happy lodged a complaint of “rape” and a “false promise of marriage” against the cricketer last month.
The court’s decision has puts a huge question mark over his participation in the World Cup and the metropolitan magistrate court has also rejected his bail plea.
Deputy commissioner of Dhaka police Anisur Rahman was quoted in saying:
“The metropolitan magistrate court rejected his bail plea … He was sent to prison pending the next hearing of the case.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that it was too early to comment on the issue, but discussions were on.
“We are discussing the matter, so it is quite early to say what we are planning to do. But he had been handling the matter personally so far. If he fails to join the squad in time, we have a contingency plan in place,” he said.
With his future uncertain, he could be replaced in the squad if he fails to join the flight to Australia on January 24.