Dhaka. Bangladesh's top all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be able to take part in his last Test match against South Africa in Mirpur, Dhaka from 21 to 25 October. There is no possibility of the veteran cricketer returning home. The reason for this is that protests are taking place against him in his city.
Shakib is currently in Dubai. He was included in the Bangladesh team for the first test against South Africa. His last test match was going to be held here but now it has become clear that he will not take part in it. Shakib was to catch a flight from Dubai at 5 pm on Thursday but top officials asked him not to come to Bangladesh and wait. According to sources, the Bangladesh Cricket Board requested him to cancel the flight and return to the United Emirates.
Shakib told 'ESPNcricinfo', 'I don't know where I will go next but it is almost certain that I will not go home.'
Shakib is apprehensive about returning to Bangladesh due to concerns about the safety of his family. Apart from being a star cricketer, Shakib is also a former MP who was removed after a revolution in August. 37-year-old Shakib had announced his retirement from international cricket last month but had said that he wanted to play one last Test series at home. He was included in the team for two test matches against South Africa. He was one of 147 people named in the FIR for alleged murder during the unrest in the country.
Announcing the team on Wednesday, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selector Hannan Sarkar said that he selected Shakib after getting the 'green signal' from the authorities.
Shakib had apologized to the countrymen
Some time ago, Shakib had written a post apologizing to his countrymen, he had written, 'I pay tribute to all those students who led the movement and lost their lives or were injured. Nothing can compensate for the loss of loved ones. I apologize to those who were hurt by my silence at this critical time. I want to bid farewell in front of everyone after playing my last match. I believe that all of you will be with me on this occasion of farewell.
FIRST PUBLISHED : October 18, 2024, 02:05 IST
