Former Bangladesh cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his regret for the “lack of communication” he maintained during the civil protests against ex Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which will, in all likelihood generate goodwill for him to play a Test match in Bangladesh against South Africa in what is going to be his last Test. His eyes are set on the opening Test, which will commence on October twenty-one in Mirpur. Although there is a second Test in Chittagong, it is understood that Shakib will feature in the first game and then travel to the USA to join his wife and three children with whom he has settled.
“First off, I would like to extend my regards to all the students who have lost their lives, led the crusade for equity, and were either killed or wounded in the process of insurrection,” Shakib, who is currently wanted in connection with a murder case in Bangladesh, posted on his official social media account.
“Of course, there is no compensation worth the death of a loved one. Certainly, no one can replace the place of a child, or a brother lost. I comprehended the disappointment those of you felt who I chose not to speak, during this important period, I offer my sincerest apologies.
“I would have been irritated had I been in your position too,” wrote the all-rounder, who served as a Member of Parliament in the ruling government led by Hasina, which was toppled due to the students’ agitation for job quotas.
The 37-year-old who has played 71 Tests for Bangladesh, during the recently concluded Test series in India, stated that he would want to play his last Test match at home if the current government is able to provide him with security. He had gone to the UAE after the Test matches against India, having already announced his retirement from T20I’s after the World Cup in June.
Though he is implicated in the murder of a student during the riots, Shakib was participating in a T20 league in Canada during the unrest.
Faruque Ahmed, the new BCB president, denied Shakib’s plea, stating that the BCB was not a protective agency and that no such guarantee could be extended to him.
Nevertheless, Asif Mahmud, who is the sports advisor to the government, voiced that he could be given security if a few conditions were satisfied, one of which was the clarity of his political position.
The veteran Kolkata Knight Riders’ star, however, made it clear that the only reason he entered politics was for the development of his home district of Magura.
“I was a member of parliament representing Magura-1 constituency for a short time. I involved myself in politics because I wanted to help my hometown Magura of which I am proud of.
“You must understand, it isn’t easy to make any significant changes with regards to the development of an area without a position in Bangladesh.
“This is what prompted me to seek a seat in parliament. But when it’s all said and done, I’m first and foremost a cricketer for Bangladesh. Wherever I was and whatever posotion I was in I have always had cricket with me.” Shakib’s expression of remorse in public should in turn guarantee the player a last hurrah with the Bangladesh Whites at his beloved ‘Sher-e-Bangla’ Stadium in Mirpur.
“You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye with all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better.” he then made an emotional appeal to all his followers
“I wish to engage with those who rejoiced at my good performance and those who mourned my failures. As I take this moment to bid you goodbye, I have faith that you all will be around. And together, let us conclude this tale that, in reality, does not spotlight myself but you all.”
