Experienced Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to play in the first Test against South Africa at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, starting Monday, October 21, due to security concerns that have led to advice against traveling to Dhaka.
The 37-year-old was included in the squad for the Test and had hoped to play his final match at home. His inclusion had made it seem like his wish would come true, but now there’s a new development.
In a WhatsApp message to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib stated that he will not be returning to Bangladesh, saying:
“I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home.”
The report also cited Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud telling AFP that the all-rounder has been advised against returning home to “avoid any untoward situations.” Mahmud added:
“I have advised Shakib not to come [to Bangladesh] to avoid any untoward circumstances. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country’s image.”
The former Bangladesh captain was one of 147 individuals named in an FIR related to an alleged murder during the civil unrest in the country. The cricketer, who served as a Member of Parliament for Magura, represents the Awami League, whose government was ousted in August, resulting in chaos across the nation.
https://x.com/saifahmed75/status/1846801583100891616?s=46
Incidentally, while announcing the squad for the first Test against South Africa, Bangladesh selector Hannan Sarkar confirmed that they included Shakib after receiving a ‘green signal’ from the authorities.
Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20Is during the tour of India
During Bangladesh’s tour of India, Shakib revealed his retirement from T20Is. Ahead of the second Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, he also shared his wish to play his final Test in Mirpur.
“This is the right time to bring in new players. It’s the same vision for T20Is as well. I have spoken to the chief selector and the BCB president and we all felt that this was the right time to move on and allow new players to come up the ranks,” news agency PTI quoted the cricketer as telling reporters.
The 37-year-old has played 447 matches for Bangladesh across all three formats, scoring 14,730 runs, including 14 centuries and 100 half-centuries. As a left-arm spinner, he has taken 712 wickets at an average of 28.48, achieving 25 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match performances.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.