Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder of the Bangladesh cricket team, has expressed his desire to play his final Test match on home soil against South Africa in October. However, his request for security guarantees from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been met with a response that the board cannot provide such assurances.
Shakib’s concerns stem from the political unrest in Bangladesh during July and August, when he was named in a murder case related to anti-government protests. The government fell on August 5, and Shakib has not been in Bangladesh since then.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated that the board is not a security agency and cannot provide personal security to individuals. He emphasized that Shakib’s security must come from the highest level of government.
“Shakib’s security is not in the board’s hand,” Faruque said. “The board can’t provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that. His security has to come from the highest level of the government.”
Faruque added that the BCB has not spoken to anyone in the government about Shakib’s case, as it is a sub-judice matter. He also said that he did not try to change Shakib’s mind about quitting Test cricket.
“Of course there’s going to be nothing like it, [if he plays] his last Test at home. Shakib is going through a difficult phase of his life. I didn’t try to [talk him out of the retirement]. He thought that this was the right time for him to retire. I respect his decision.”
Previously, Bangladesh’s law adviser Asif Nazrul expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested if he returned to the country to play. However, Shakib remains concerned about his safety and security.
“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” he said. “My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it.”
The BCB’s stance of not being able to guarantee Shakib’s safety is not surprising, as the board has limited political clout following a recent revamp.
