End of Shakib’s Test career? Protests erupt against him in Dhaka

Students have announced a gherao of the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, where Shakib Al Hasan, one of the greatest cricketers to have ever turned up for Bangladesh, is scheduled to play his farewell Test against South Africa, beginning October 21. Fearing for his safety, Shakib is unlikely to travel to the capital city for the game. 

A report in ESPNcricinfo quoted Shakib as saying, “I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home.”

Having represented the Tigers in 71 Tests, Shakib had announced his wish to play his final Test at home in Dhaka in front of his friends and family. He was named in the squad led by Najmul Hossain Shanto for the first Test of the two-match series against the Proteas. 

Shakib, 37, was elected a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Awami League government, which fell on August 5 after bloody student protests. Since then, many party leaders have been arrested. 

Shakib, who represented Magura, his hometown during the Sheikh Hasina regime, was named in an FIR alongside 147 people during the protests. 

Though he was given assurance of being protected fully during his farewell Test, students have already started protesting against him after he was named in the squad. 

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