All-rounder Shakib al Hasan has a high chance of playing his farewell Test at home, informed Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruk Ahmed Monday.
Following a prompt executive meeting to decide on some pending agendas, Faruk informed the media that he has spoken to Shakib about playing the upcoming two-match Test series against visitors South Africa, which is scheduled to start on October 21.
Former Bangladesh captain Faruk, however, expressed confidence in Shakib’s security within BCB premises and clarified that any additional security measures must come from the government.
Shakib playing his farewell Test at home has been a topic of discussion within the cricket fraternity since the left-arm all-rounder announced his retirement last month from Test and Twenty20 International formats.
While Shakib is no longer a part of Bangladesh's 20-over format, he had expressed his desire to play his farewell Test in front of the home crowd.
Previously, Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud and BCB chief Faruk had raised concerns about Shakib’s security, which now appears to be shifting toward a more positive outlook.
Speaking to the media in Dubai Friday, adviser Asif affirmed that Shakib would be provided the highest level of security in Bangladesh.
“I spoke to Shakib, and there is a very good chance that he will go into retirement playing his last [Test] match at home,” said Faruk to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Monday.
“I cannot speak about the legal side of things. I am just the BCB president and have limited power. The matter of Shakib’s security must be addressed by the government. There are security agencies, and the advisers need to take responsibility. As far as the BCB is concerned, we can ensure his security only within the stadiums,” added the BCB chief.
Bangladesh will face South Africa in the first Test at SBNS in Dhaka on October 21.
The second Test will be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram starting October 29, which is likely to be Shakib’s final appearance for Bangladesh in red-ball cricket.
Shakib, who was also an Awami League Member of Parliament, has not returned to the country since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August this year.
Some of his fans have expressed frustration over his silence during recent student protests.
Shakib has also been involved in legal issues, including a murder case related to the death of a garment worker during protests.
Additionally, he was recently fined Tk50 lakhs for stock market manipulation.