Retiring Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has announced that he is unlikely to return to Bangladesh for what was expected to be his final Test match, citing “security concerns.”
The first Test against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Dhaka, was set to be Shakib’s farewell appearance in the format. However, ongoing protests against him in the city have cast doubt on his participation.
In a statement via WhatsApp, Shakib Al Hasan expressed uncertainty about his next destination, stating,
I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home.
His reluctance to return stems from the political unrest in Bangladesh, where numerous Awami League leaders have been arrested since August 5, following the effective resignation of their government after 15 years in power. Shakib, who served as a member of parliament from his hometown Magura, is among 147 individuals named in a First Information Report (FIR) related to an alleged murder during the unrest.
Despite these concerns, Shakib remains part of the Bangladesh squad for the first Test, according to chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain. “We haven’t received any further instructions from the BCB or the cricket operations committee. It is a paused status at the moment. He is in transit in Dubai,” Ashraf stated. The squad was announced with Shakib’s inclusion after selector Hannan Sarkar received a “green signal” from authorities.
While assurances of safe passage into Bangladesh were reportedly given to Shakib, protests erupted against his return. A group identifying themselves as “Mirpur Chhatro Janata” informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of their intention to protest Shakib’s presence at the stadium. Consequently, Shakib was advised to remain in Dubai, where he was transiting from New York, and his scheduled flight to Dhaka on Thursday evening is now uncertain.
The situation has drawn comments from government officials. Chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Azad Majumder emphasized that the decision to return lies with Shakib, stating, “Shakib can return to Bangladesh anytime. It’s his decision whether he will arrive here or not.”
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud advised Shakib against returning to avoid “untoward circumstances,” prioritizing the safety of players and the country’s image.