Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, has thrown a curveball into the cricketing world. After a tumultuous period marked by political unrest in his home country, he’s declared his intention to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming match against South Africa in Mirpur. However, his plans depend heavily on receiving assurances for his safety and the ability to leave Bangladesh.
Shakib, who previously served as a Member of Parliament, is involved in a murder case in Dhaka. While the caretaker government has assured him that he won’t be harassed upon his return, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that it cannot provide any security guarantees. BCB President Faruque Ahmed, who took over recently after Najmul Hasan Papon’s resignation, emphasized that their mandate is solely to govern the sport and they lack the authority to offer such guarantees.
The BCB has agreed in principle to facilitate Shakib’s retirement in Mirpur and ensure his last Test match is played at home. They’ve promised to work with authorities to provide him with a safe environment to play and subsequently leave the country. However, the ultimate decision on security rests with the interim government.
Sources have confirmed that Shakib has conveyed his intention to play only one Test in Bangladesh before relocating to the US with his family. With the BCB unable to guarantee his safety, the upcoming Kanpur Test against India might be Shakib’s final appearance in red-ball cricket. This uncertainty casts a shadow over the future of this iconic cricketer and adds another layer of complexity to the already complicated situation in Bangladesh.
