Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that he would not be travelling to Dhaka on Thursday, October 17, putting his participation in doubt for his farewell Test against South Africa, starting November 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The 37-year-old was set to board the flight from Dubai, transiting from New York, but has been asked not to.
With less than four days left for the Test match to start, there are doubts about whether Shakib will return to his home country. On Wednesday, Bangladesh included the Magura-born Shakib in their squad for the opening Test against the Black Caps.
It has been learnt that there are chances of protests in Shakib’s last Test match at home. Earlier, Shakib had also expressed his concerns over returning to Bangladesh amidst the students’ protests against the Awami League government. As of now, there’s no surety about his return to Bangladesh.
“I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” Shakib told ESPNcricinfo through Whatsapp.
Shakib was also charged for his involvement in a murder case during the protests. He was assured of a safe pathway back to Bangladesh, but as per reports, protests have restarted. ‘Mirpur Chhatro Janata’, an organisation informed the BCB that protests would be carried out if Shakib plays in Mirpur.
After the Chennai Test against India, Shakib talked about his desire to play his last Test at home. He also said that the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and UAE was his last in T20Is.
Bangladesh squad for 1st Test against South Africa
Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
