There has been a flurry of speculation in the Bangladeshi media regarding whether Shakib Al Hasan will return to the country to play his farewell Test match, with conflicting reports emerging from late Wednesday night to Thursday morning.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had included Shakib in the squad in hopes of allowing him to play his final Test in Mirpur.
However, news broke late Wednesday that Shakib would not be making the trip.
To clarify the situation, Bangladesh First reached out to Shakib directly. The exchange has been shared with our readers:
Question: Are you coming to Dhaka?
Shakib: Probably not at the moment.
Question: Has the BCB provided you with any new information regarding this?
Shakib: No.
Question: Who has advised you against travelling to Dhaka?
Shakib: Everyone has said it’s for my own safety.
With these brief responses, Shakib Al Hasan has addressed all pertinent questions. He was expected to arrive in Dhaka on a Thursday flight to play his last Test against South Africa in Mirpur, marking his departure from Test cricket. However, it now appears that this desire may not come to fruition.
Meanwhile, when questioned about whether the BCB was aware of Shakib's decision, Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury Sujon stated, "I am currently in Dubai attending an ICC meeting.
However, I have also seen the news about Shakib online. I will speak with the BCB president regarding this matter and update you."
The farewell stage that was being prepared for Shakib's final appearance at the Mirpur Test is now undergoing changes. It seems likely that Shakib has already played his last Test match against India in Kanpur.
