Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan addresses a press conference ahead of the 2nd cricket Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium, in Kanpur.
Credit: PTI Photo
Kanpur: Bangladesh’s talismanic yet highly controversial all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Thursday ‘expressed his desire’ to sign off his Test career in the home series against South Africa provided the Bangladesh Cricket Board guarantees a safe entry and exit for him.
Bangladesh, which is in the middle of a political turmoil following sustained public unrest in July and August that saw the downfall of the ruling Awami League and the exile of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, is tentatively scheduled to host South Africa for a two-match Test series starting October 16.
The participation of Shakib, who contested elections from Hasina’s party in January and won a seat to the country’s parliament, has remained a question mark considering he’s one of the 147 individuals accused in the death of student Rubel during the protests. Though Shakib was not in the country when the incident occurred as he was competing in the Global T20 Canada League, authorities have also charged the 37-year-old along with Hasina.
Shakib, sensing danger for his life and the public outrage if he steps foot in Bangladesh after the India series, hoped BCB will smoothen things out failing which the game against India in Kanpur could be his last in whites.
“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 about Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series,” said Shakib in a news conference on Thursday.
“I have told (BCB president) Faruque (Ahmed) bhai and the selectors. If there is an opportunity for me to go back to the country, Mirpur Test will be my last in Test cricket. This has been communicated with the Board and they are trying to make the best arrangement so that I can play and feel secure. At the same time that I don’t have any problem when I have to leave the country.”
Shakib, perhaps the greatest Bangladeshi cricketer but an extremely polarising figure for his abrasive conduct, admitted he’s worried about his safety because of his association with Hasina, who ruled the country for decades.
“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn't have any problem going back to Bangladesh. But after going back to Bangladesh, then my concern starts. While I am in Bangladesh and leaving Bangladesh, the safety and security, that's my concern. What I am hearing from my close friends and family members, you know, they have their concerns. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it,” he said.
Shakib, while confirming the T20 World Cup in the Americas was his swansong in the shortest format for the Tigers, said the last couple of months have been extremely hard on him and even he’s surprised how he has been able to play cricket. Shakib was part of Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 away win over Pakistan prior to the India series.
“It has been tough for me. Only Allah knows how I am focused on the game. Even I don't know. There is a case against me. Everyone has the rights. You all know what type of case it is or where I was and what I was doing at that time. I don't want to talk much about it,” he said of the criminal charges pressed against him despite being in Canada.
Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, 84, is currently heading an interim government in Bangladesh.