Shakib Al Hasan, who recently announced his retirement mid-way through the India series, expressed his wish to play his final Test match on home soil.
However, his political involvement had cast doubt on this possibility.
Now, brushing aside all uncertainties, Shakib is set to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow and will play his farewell Test at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The Test match against South Africa is scheduled to commence on 21 October at Mirpur.
The South African team arrived in Dhaka on 16 October, while Shakib will join them the following day, as confirmed by a source from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) Team Operations.
Earlier in January, Shakib was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Magura-1 constituency on an Awami League ticket. However, following the government’s fall on 5 August, Shakib also found himself embroiled in controversy.
On 24 August, he was named as an accused in a murder case alongside Sheikh Hasina.
Shakib has been abroad since the beginning of July, and since the government's ouster, he had not returned to Dhaka.
Amid these circumstances, Shakib announced his intention to play his final Test in Dhaka, but the political climate appeared to obstruct his wish.
Prior to his retirement announcement, members of the interim government had commented on Shakib’s return. Asif Nazrul, the sports advisor, expressed optimism, stating, “There is only a single case against Shakib.
A case or an FIR doesn’t necessarily lead to arrest. I hope he will not be arrested.”
In his retirement statement, Shakib left some ambiguity, saying that his final Test would be played in the South Africa series, provided he is selected. BCB President Faruq Ahmed remarked that the matter rests with the government.
The Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, said, “Ensuring the security of player Shakib is a priority. However, guaranteeing protection against the public's anger towards Shakib, the former MP of a fascist government, is unreasonable.” Bhuiyan also called on Shakib to clarify his political position. In response, Shakib posted on Facebook, explaining that he had sought to become an MP for the development of Magura.
Following this, the sports advisor's tone softened, stating, “Shakib is a player who has made significant contributions to the country. Since he wishes to play his last Test in Bangladesh, I personally hope he gets that opportunity.”
On 13 October, while visiting the Home of Cricket in Mirpur, the sports advisor was again questioned about Shakib. He responded, “Shakib is a citizen of Bangladesh and a cricketer. I see no obstacles to his return to the country. However, the sentiments expressed in graffiti and social media are matters of emotion. In a democratic country, those participating in such movements have the right to express themselves. My only concern is that no one's security is compromised. Any legal issues should be addressed by the law; I cannot comment on legal matters. But we should show the utmost respect for security concerns.”
Following these developments, the former Bangladesh captain initiated the process of returning to the country. Shakib is expected to arrive in Dhaka on 17 October and will join the team on Friday.
After the first Test against South Africa at home, Shakib will bid farewell to Test cricket.
