Shakib Al Hasan, the legendary cricket star from Bangladesh, has issued a formal apology for his inaction during the protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which may pave the way for him to play South Africa in a farewell Test match at home.
He has set his sights on the opening Test which is scheduled for October 21 within Mirpur as his farewell match. There is a second Test in Chittagong but it has been understood that Shakib will play the first Test and then fly off to USA, where his wife and three children live.
“Thank you to all of the students who made the ultimate sacrifice for the anti-discrimination movement, died, or were hurt doing the people’s struggle,” Shakib, who has found himself in the hearings of a murder case in Bangladesh, stated on his official Facebook account.
“Losing a child or a brother to those of you who were irritated that I had remained silent during such a crucial moment, a loved one’s death is unfathomable. I understand the reason behind your outrage and I am truly sorry.”
“Had I been in your position, I too would have been outraged,” noted the all-rounder, who was a Minister in the Hasina Administration that collapsed after activists protests demanding the end of reservation in jobs for women.
The 37-year-old has played 71 Tests for Bangladesh, this stark announcement came during a Test Series in India; as the 37-year-old grew vocal on playing his final five-day game at home should the current government manage to provide him with security. He had visited UAE after the Test series with India, having already said farewell to the T20Is post the World Cup in June.
During the turmoil, he was accused of participating in the assassination of a student. However, Shakib was already committed to a T20 League in Canada at the time.
The newly elected president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Faruque Ahmed was unresponsive to Shakib’s request as he dismissed the plea by saying BCB is not a body that offers security in any form.
Nevertheless, Asif Mahmud, the government’s sports advisor, stated that he could be offered protection as long as he editorialized his political position.
The experienced Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer also bears in mind that as a politician, his goals were only dedicated in enhancing the development of his constituency, which is Magura.
“I was a member of parliament of Magura-1 for a short period. My politics was mainly due to the fact that I wanted to do something for my hometown Magura.
“Of course, everyone understands how hard it is to make a difference to the development of the area one comes from when one is playing no particular role in Bangladesh
“My motive for wanting to develop this place is what led me into politics and wish to become ip. However, I am a cricketer for Bangladesh first and irrespective of the places I have been or positions I held, cricket has always been within me.”
Shakib’s well-timed public apology will probably mean that he will be given a chance to bid goodbye to the Bangladesh Whites in the presence of his beloved ‘Sher-e-Bangla’ Stadium situated in Mirpur.
“I hope everyone knows I will be playing my last match soon… I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to every single one of you here. When the time reaches to take leave, I would want to cordially touch each hand and take leave of every hearty applause which made me play better.”
He later extended an emotional request to all the supporters looking at him.
“I crave the gaze of those who applauded my brilliant performance and those who shed tears over my not-so-awesome performances. I firmly trust that at this point of farewell, you will be present with me. Collectively, we shall end the fairytale that, in fact, it is not I who is the star, but all of you.”
