Bangladeshi all rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement plan on Thursday, just a day before second and final test match against India in Kanpur. He made an announcement that he wish to play his farewell test match at Mirpur against South Africa next month if Bangladesh Cricket Board assured him security.
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed said that the BCB cannot provide security for Shakib, saying that the board is not a security agency. BCB Chief’s comments have cast a shadow over Shakib Al Hasan’s return to Bangladesh, reports United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Shakib’s concern for his safety stems from his political background. He was a member of Parliament during the previous government under Sheikh Hasina, which was ousted following a popular uprising led by students.
After deadly protests that resulted in at least 700 deaths, many members of her Awami League party, including Shakib, have faced murder charges, raising chances for Shakib to get arrested. Shakib has not returned to Bangladesh since Hasina’s ouster, reports UNB.
Shakib had hinted that he would leave the country after his possible last Test in Mirpur. However, with Faruque’s comments on Shakib’s security, his homecoming now appears uncertain.
By Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)