Shakib Al Hasan is set for his last appearance in Test cricket in front of the home crowd as the premier all-rounder was named in Bangladesh’s squad for the first match against South Africa at Mirpur beginning on Monday.
Before the second and final Test against India in Kanpur, Shakib had expressed his wish to play his final Test at home against South Africa, provided the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was able to ensure his safety.
His involvement with the now-fallen Awami League regime and alleged connection to a murder case were among Shakib’s reservations about returning home. However, lately, the sports adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Asif Mahmud, had said that Shakib would be provided security once his political stance was clear.
In return, Shakib issued an unconditional apology on social media for his silence during the civil unrest in Bangladesh that saw the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Shakib is set to come home tomorrow (Thursday), thanks to an understanding among the government, BCB and him,” a BCB insider said.