Shakib Al Hasan’s Fans Attacked Amidst Test Retirement Controversy
Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding his retirement from Test cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially approved his request to retire during the series against South Africa, but the Bangladesh government advised him against returning to the country due to security concerns.
This decision sparked protests among Shakib’s fans, who gathered outside the Mirpur cricket stadium in Dhaka. On Sunday, a group of individuals attacked the protesters with sticks, prompting the intervention of army and law enforcement personnel.
The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Shakib’s retirement. In 2023, he joined the Awami League party and filed a nomination to contest in the 2024 Bangladesh general election. However, the party’s leaders and supporters, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are facing allegations of crimes committed during a recent uprising.
Shakib is one of the accused in these cases, but he expressed his desire to bid farewell to cricket after the Test series against South Africa. The BCB’s decision to appoint Phil Simmons as the new head coach, replacing Chandika Hathurusinghe, further complicates the situation.
The controversy has raised questions about the safety of athletes in Bangladesh and the role of politics in sports. Shakib’s fans remain adamant in their support, while the government and BCB face pressure to address the security concerns and ensure a fair resolution for the cricketer.
