Indian star batter Virat Kohli gifted his cricket bat to former Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan in recognition of his remarkable Test career after the conclusion of the second Test match in Kanpur.
Shakib has announced that the upcoming series against South Africa will be his last on home soil, provided he is given the opportunity. Otherwise, the series against India will serve as his farewell series.
“I am available for the South Africa series, but since there’s a lot happening back home, naturally not everything depends on me. I have discussed my plans for Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series could be my last Test series,” Shakib said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against India in Kanpur.
“I have informed [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there’s a chance for me to play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and feel safe, while also allowing me to leave the country without any issues” Shakib said.
“As a citizen of Bangladesh, I shouldn’t have any problems returning home. My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh, as my close friends and family members are worried. I hope conditions improve and a solution is found,” he added.
As of now, the Proteas series in October remains tentative, as Cricket South Africa is yet to give security clearance following a venue inspection earlier this week, according to ESPNcricinfo.
This situation comes after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on August 5 and fled the country amid violent protests led by students.
During that time, Shakib was playing in the Global T20 League in Canada. After the tournament, he traveled to Pakistan for a two-match Test series. Following Bangladesh’s historic win over Pakistan, he arrived in India for the ongoing tour.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operations chief Shahriar Nafees asserted that Shakib won’t be “unfairly harassed” when he returns to Bangladesh for the first time since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a part.
Shakib was among 147 individuals named in a murder case in Dhaka last month. The 38-year-old became a member of parliament in January this year.
In August, Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested in connection with the case. “There’s only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have come to understand that police forces have been instructed to exercise restraint in case something unusual happens,” Asif said.