Shakib Al Hasan will not go to Bangladesh for a farewell test against South Africa BAN vs SA

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to return home due to the protests against him in Dhaka. It is pertinent to note that Shakib stays with his family in the United States of America (USA). Although Shakib recently announced his retirement from the T20I format, the second Test against India in Kanpur could very well have been his last, with him unlikely to feature in the Test match against South Africa in Dhaka.

Shakib reportedly sent a text message to cricket portal ESPNCricinfo confirming that he will not return to Bangladesh, the country where he is accused of murder.

“I’m not sure where I’m going, but it’s almost certain I’m not going home,” Shakib wrote in the caption.

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I advised Shakib not to come: sports advisor of Bangladesh

Notably, Shakib was a Member of Parliament under the Awami League-led government. However, amid the nationwide protests, the party was driven from power. Following the fall of the government, several Awami League politicians have been arrested or banned from leaving the country.

Asif Mahmud, the current youth and sports advisor in Bangladesh, also reportedly asked Shakib not to come to Bangladesh.

“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.

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Bangladesh have a busy cricket schedule ahead of them, with the Bangla Tigers set to take on Proteas in a home Test series starting on October 21. Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan and West Indies before entering the ICC Champions Trophy.