Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement plan on Thursday, just one day before the second and final Test match against India in Kanpur. Shakib expressed his desire to play his farewell Test match at Mirpur against South Africa next month, provided that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) ensures his security.
However, BCB President Faruque Ahmed has stated that the board cannot guarantee security for Shakib, as it is not within their jurisdiction to provide such services. The BCB chief’s comments have raised uncertainty about Shakib’s return to Bangladesh, according to reports from the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Shakib’s concerns over his safety are linked to his political background. He previously served as a member of Parliament under the former government led by Sheikh Hasina, which was ousted following a large-scale uprising spearheaded by students.
Following the deadly protests, which resulted in over 700 deaths, numerous members of the Awami League party, including Shakib, have faced charges of murder. This has heightened the risk of his arrest upon returning to Bangladesh. Shakib has remained outside the country since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, reports UNB.
Shakib had hinted that his possible final Test in Mirpur could mark his departure from Bangladesh. However, with Faruque Ahmed’s remarks regarding his security, the all-rounder’s return home now seems uncertain.