Shakib fans protest in Dhaka ahead of home Test series against South Africa

Dhaka [Bangladesh], October 19, 2024: Hundreds of fans of Bangladeshi cricket icon and politician Shakib Al Hasan gathered outside the Mirpur Cricket Stadium on Friday to protest ahead of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. The supporters rallied to show their frustration and concern after Shakib, who had flown from the United States to join the Bangladesh team, canceled his trip to Dhaka midway during a stopover in Dubai due to security concerns.

The sudden change of plans has left fans shocked, with many expressing their disappointment. The atmosphere outside the Mirpur Stadium, where the Test series is set to begin on Monday, was electric with supporters chanting Shakib’s name. One fan, donning a Bangladesh jersey, passionately declared, “I am a big fan of Shakib Al Hasan. You cannot exclude Shakib from the Bangladesh team because he is one of the best cricketers in the world. I do not believe that he did any crime as he was abroad during the movement. Why was he barred from coming home?”

Another supporter echoed the sentiments, questioning, “Why will Shakib say goodbye to cricket from Kanpur (India)? He will say goodbye from Mirpur as he wishes.” Fans are anxious about the future of Bangladesh cricket without their star all-rounder, with one saying, “Without Shakib, the Bangladesh team is immobile.”

Shakib’s situation stems from his involvement in Bangladesh politics. In 2023, he officially joined the Awami League party and won a parliamentary seat from the Magura-1 constituency in the 2024 general election. However, the political climate in Bangladesh took a turn two months ago when a student-led movement ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of violent protests, leading to the formation of an interim government under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

With Awami League leaders, including Hasina, facing legal issues from alleged crimes during the July-August uprising, Shakib has been named as one of the accused. He had initially planned to retire from cricket after the Test series against South Africa and sought security assurances. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded positively, including him in the squad, but his abrupt decision to abort the journey home has raised concerns.

Meanwhile, the BCB has announced a significant change in the coaching staff, appointing former West Indies batter Phil Simmons as the head coach of the men’s national team, after suspending Chandika Hathurusinghe due to misconduct. The developments have created uncertainty for Bangladesh cricket ahead of the much-anticipated series against South Africa.