Shakib Al Hasan has indicated that he may not travel to Dhaka for the upcoming first Test against South Africa due to protests against him in the city. This match is poised to be his last in the Test format, as he was included in the Bangladesh squad.
In a WhatsApp message to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib expressed uncertainty about his immediate future, stating, “I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home.”
Shakib has previously voiced concerns about his safety upon returning to Bangladesh, especially following the arrests of several Awami League leaders since August 5, when the government effectively resigned after 15 years in power. He is one of 147 individuals named in a police report concerning an alleged murder amidst the ongoing unrest, having served as a member of parliament from his hometown of Magura.
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The selectors had included Shakib in the Test squad after reportedly receiving a “green signal” regarding his participation. Despite assurances of safe passage into Bangladesh, protests against his return erupted, with students demonstrating from Wednesday evening onward.
A group identifying itself as “Mirpur Chhatro Janata” has notified the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of their plans to protest Shakib’s appearance at the stadium. Late Wednesday evening, Shakib was advised to remain in Dubai, where he was transiting from New York.
Although his flight is scheduled for Thursday evening, it appears increasingly unlikely that Shakib will make it to Dhaka for his final Test.
