by Bangladesh’s top all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not return home for his farewell Test this evening, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source revealed after a virtual board directors meeting today.
“We can ensure security within the stadium grounds. The BCB is not in a position to ensure security outside the stadium premises as it has to be done by the government,” a BCB director said following the meeting.
For all the latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. The director also mentioned that Shakib will not be returning to the country tonight.
There has been uncertainty since morning over Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib’s return to the country for his Test swan song this evening.
Shakib, who was named in Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for the first of the two-Test series against South Africa, was scheduled to land in Dhaka from Dubai this evening to play his final Test in the Bangladesh jersey when the Tigers take on the Proteas first game in Mirpur on October 21st.
It was learned that the 37-year-old cricketer was scheduled to board the flight from Dubai to Dhaka at 5:00 pm Bangladesh time and land in the country around 11:00 pm. However, a source close to Shakib confirmed that the cricketer was asked to wait for further communication before boarding the flight.
Due to these uncertainties, it was later revealed that Shakib canceled his flight from Dubai and would return to the US instead.
Although it was learned that Shakib was asked by higher authorities to wait for further communication before boarding the flight to Dhaka, Deputy Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Azad Majumder said it depends on Shakib whether he arrives in the country or returns USA.
“Shakib can return to Bangladesh at any time. It is his decision whether he comes here or not,” Majumder informed The Daily Star today.
Sporadic protests broke out in Mirpur and some other areas of the capital today and Wednesday since reports emerged that Shakib was on his way back to the country to play his Test swan song.
Shakib had announced his retirement plan from the longest format on September 26, just a day before the second Test against India in Kanpur earlier this month. During this press conference, Shakib expressed his wish to bid farewell to Test cricket at home in Mirpur during Bangladesh’s series against South Africa. He played both Tests against India, a series in which Bangladesh lost 2-0.
Shakib, a former MP in the Awami League government that was ousted on August 5 following student protests, is accused of being involved in a murder case. He expressed concerns about his safety after returning to Bangladesh and also hoped for a safe exit once the match is over.
