Shakib Al Hasan confirms he is unlikely to return to Bangladesh amid protests

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to return home. Shakib, one of the biggest players to have left the country, is currently residing in the United States of America with his family. The player, who recently retired from the T20I format, played the 2-Test match series against India, which many consider to be his last match for the team.

In a text message to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib confirmed that he will not return to his home country, where he faces murder charges. “I’m not sure where I’m going, but it’s almost certain I’m not going home,” Shakib told ESPNcricinfo.

Shakib was an MP under the Awami League-led government until the party was removed from power in August amid nationwide protests. After the fall of the government, many Awami League politicians went into hiding, were arrested and banned from leaving the country.

Shakib, who has reportedly not been to Bangladesh since the protests, was charged by the Adabor police station in a murder case linked to the protests. The BCB has allowed him to continue playing for the national team until his guilt is proven.

The country’s current youth and sports advisor, Asif Mahmud, has also reportedly advised the player to stay away. Speaking to AFP news agency, the minister said he had advised Shakib not to return home to avoid “undesirable circumstances”.

“I have advised Shakib not to come to Bangladesh to avoid unwanted circumstances. This decision was taken to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country’s image,” he told AFP.

Bangladesh has a busy cricket season ahead of them. The team will take on South Africa in a home Test series from October 21. They will next take on Afghanistan and West Indies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.