Politics has had the last laugh.
Last month’s Kanpur Test between India and Bangladesh could well have been Shakib Al Hasan’s final appearance in the longest format.
The premier Bangladesh all-rounder had wished to bid adieu to Test cricket with a farewell game at home, provided his safety and security were assured. On Wednesday, the left-arm spinner all-rounder was included in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test against South Africa at Mirpur. This followed his apologetic social media post a few days ago and assurances from the adviser to the Bangladesh youth and sports ministry, Asif Mahmud.
But in a U-turn in the early hours of Thursday, Shakib was asked to wait in the United Arab Emirates after he had left the United States to reach home. The scenario for Shakib, who used to be associated with the now-fallen Awami League regime led by Sheikh Hasina, and was accused of being involved in a murder, looked grim once again.
On Thursday afternoon, a group gathered outside the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) premises shouting anti-Shakib slogans and calling him names. That was like another nail in the coffin for the all-rounder’s hopes of a Test swansong at home.
Later in the evening, a statement from the youth and sports ministry adviser confirmed that Shakib would not be able to feature in the Mirpur Test beginning on Monday.
“I too had wanted a player of Shakib Al Hasan’s calibre to retire after playing his final Test at home. Such steps were also taken accordingly. However, I’ve also been saying that Shakib’s closenesswith the fascist Awami League government has irked people, which is quite normal... All those who protested have the constitutionalright to protest...
“In order to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the South Africa series, the BCB was advised to discourage Shakib from returning home. Alongside players’ security, the country’s image on the international stage also needs to be protected and looked after,” the statement read.
According to BCB sources, Mahmud had “personally conveyed this message to Shakib”. BCB office-bearers, though, are tight-lipped on the matter.
“I was to return home.But now I don’t think Ican,” Shakib told Bangladeshi media. “It is over a security issue, a matter of my own security.”
The Bangladesh squad for the second and final Test against South Africa in Chittagong beginning on October 29 hasn’t been announced yet. After such a statement by an individual occupying an important post in the present interim government in Bangladesh, the writing seems to be on the wall for Shakib.
Unless there’s a miracle.
