Bangladesh World Cup Hero Rubel Hossain Cleared of Sexual Assault Charges, Ready to Face India
Life is looking up for Bangladesh's World Cup hero Rubel Hossain who has been acquitted of sexual assault charges and has also made a full recovery from a side injury.
Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain was cleared of sexual assault charges against him by a court in Dhaka on Wednesday. A film actress - Naznin Akhtar - had accused the cricketer of not marrying her despite his promises - going on to file a complaint of sexual assault.
Hossain, hero of Bangladesh's impressive performance in the World Cup earlier this year, was reportedly in a relationship with Naznin for nine months before splitting ways. A police report said that there was no evidence to prove charges levied against the cricketer.
An Associate Press report stated that the police report was accepted by Dhaka's Fifth Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal. The prosecution though has vowed to challenge the verdict in a higher court.
The 25-year-old Hossain had become a hero in his country after claiming four wickets to knock England out of World Cup. That there was a question mark over his participation in the tournament was mostly forgotten. The court's latest decision now will be a shot in the arm for the bowler who is gearing up for the Indian challenge.
With three ODIs and a Test against the neighbours, the Bangladesh team is backing Rubel to trouble the two-time World Champions. Rubel has even undergone three weeks of intense rehabilitation after suffering a Grade 1 left side strain. He's fit, he's fiery and he's now also fully free - at least for the time being - to play his heart out on the field.
(With agency inputs)