Uncertainty over Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-ul-Hasan’s final Test is far from over. After the recently concluded two-match series against India, Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder took South Africa. He expressed his desire to play his last Test against his country.
On the other hand, the protests in Bangladesh show no signs of ending, and in such a situation, Shakib Al Hasan has now ruled out his going to Dhaka, where the first Test of the upcoming series against the visiting cricket team South Africa will be played.
With Shakib-ul-Hasan protesting in Dhaka at the moment, the legendary Bangladeshi cricketer has been included in the team’s squad for the first Test against South Africa, which was going to be his last Test in the longest format of the game.
However, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib Al Hasan confirmed that he is not sure if he will be able to travel to Dhaka for his final Test. “I don’t know where I’m going next, but it’s almost certain that I’m not going home.”
It should be noted that Shakib Al Hasan, a member of the Bangladeshi Parliament from his hometown, Magura, is still included in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming first Test against South Africa. During the recent unrest and anti-government protests, Shakib Al Hasan was one of those 147 people who were allegedly named in the murder case.
Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hussain has said he has not received any instructions from the Bangladesh Cricket Board about Shakib. Earlier this week, selector Hanan Sarkar said he had received a green signal from the authorities. All-rounder Shakib-ul-Hasan has been selected only after.
Despite assurances of Shakib-ul-Hasan’s safe entry to Bangladesh, Bangladeshi students on Wednesday evening began protesting against his expected return home, a group known as the ‘Mirpur Chhatru Janata’ informed the cricket board. If Shakib goes to play his last Test in Dhaka, he will also protest in the stadium.
On the other hand, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mehmood said in a statement that he advised Shakib not to return home to ‘avoid unpleasant situations’. “I have advised Shakib not to come to Bangladesh. This decision has been taken to ensure the safety of the players and protect the image of the country.”
The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa will start from October 21 in Dhaka.