“Whether or not Shakib Al Hasan should have been seen on such a day is a big question. Shakib has to take all the responsibility. Why did he go into politics? What was he lacking’, said a former captain of the national team.
A director of Bangladesh Cricket Board is really surprised. He said, ‘Shakib is not able to come to Bangladesh and play, what can be more shocking news than this? Is the Bangladesh Cricket Board somehow responsible for this? Shakib has only himself to blame for this.’
The biggest star of Bangladesh cricket can not play the last match of his career? Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, which used to be frenzied with the sound of ‘Shakib’, ‘Shakib’, in front of the gate, is visible, ‘No Entry for Shakib’. And many more—’Fascist Shakib’, ‘Despotic Shakib’, ‘Gambler Shakib.’
A memorandum has been given to BCB President Farooq Ahmed not to allow him to play on the field where he has stepped on his feet from the country’s Shakib to become the world’s best Shakib. It clearly says, ‘Remove Shakib Al Hasan from the national team and expect full cooperation from you (BCB) to take action against Shakib’s misdeeds. Otherwise, we will make this peaceful program more strict.’
Shakib Al Hasan announced to hang up the jersey after playing the last Test of his career against South Africa. For this reason, he made a condition to return to the country and to go out of the country if necessary. But, the decision of MP Shakib of the previous fallen government to come to the country was dependent on the government’s green signal. A murder case has been registered in his name. Penalty has been imposed due to manipulation in the stock market. All in all, the situation was completely against Shakib.
However, with some reassurance, Shakib left the US and came to Dubai. But, there again he was sent a message, ‘Now the situation is not normal. It will not be right to come to the country.’ This message is given from the highest level of government. There are big reasons behind this decision, say reliable sources.
First of all, cricket in the country is now much bigger than Shakib, much bigger. The government and BCB do not want to take the risk of letting Shakib play for one match. Providing security to foreign teams is the prime responsibility of the government and the BCB. It has already been realized that the security arrangements that BCB had planned for Shakib are not enough.
It would be extremely bad news for Bangladesh cricket if, while attacking Shakib, accidentally attacked other Bangladeshi or South African players, coaching staff or their fleet, an undesirable situation would arise. BCB is not agreeing to give any concession on security issues. That is why the organizers are preparing to host South Africa in the country without Shakib.
It is worth noting that the South African Cricket Association had already raised security concerns before this series. Later the South African delegation visited Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction with the security and gave the green signal for the visit.
Secondly, no one hesitates to say that Shakib is the biggest superstar of Bangladesh cricket. But, due to political reasons, the country’s cricket regulator Sanska has to think about the consequences of Shakib. BCB is unwilling to create an example that Shakib will be untouchable because he is a legend, he can do whatever he wants. In the previous three terms, Nazmul Hasan Papon has been shuffled by Shakib. When Shakib does whatever he wants. The biggest thing is that during the game, he entered the field of politics even as a contracted player of BCB. BCB did not need him to enter politics. Now BCB is in the same position next to Shakib in difficult times. BCB’s canvas for players is huge. BCB is not biased to create an example for the rest with him.
Thirdly, the student movement led to the fall of the previous government. They ‘select’ and appoint their own representatives at all levels to govern the country. Same with BCB. Farooq Ahmed has now got the responsibility of the board president after becoming the representative of the National Sports Council and becoming the director selector. Shakib’s return to the country and his participation in Bangladesh cricket are not accepted by the students. Farooq Ahmed, who has become their representative, has to accept that decision. Besides, if this movement gets more intense, any untoward situation will increase the pressure on the government and BCB. Considering these things, Shakib was not allowed to come to the country.
Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan clarified the matter. He said, ‘I myself wanted a cricketer like Shakib Al Hasan to retire on the soil of the country. Necessary measures have been taken accordingly. However, as I said at the outset, there is anger in the public mind due to Shakib Al Hasan’s association with the Awami fascist government, which is natural. He posted Facebook posts to quell public anger, including clarifying his political stance, but recent protests have shown that it was not enough. Those protesting also have a constitutional right to do so. The BCB has advised against coming to play in the country for the time being to avoid any untoward situation in the series between South Africa and Bangladesh. This decision has to be taken as an urgent measure to protect the image of the country in the international sports arena along with the safety of the players. However, I think everyone should respect the law. Any grievance can be redressed through legal process.’
Farooq Ahmed is currently in Dubai to attend the ICC board meeting. He did not meet Shakib. But, talk is done. He told Shakib the whole situation. Shakib has also withdrawn from the decision to come to the country after realizing his position and the situation of the country. After the South Africa series, the Bangladesh team will tour the United Arab Emirates and the West Indies. There is no obstacle for Shakib to play there. Can even play in Champions Trophy next year.
Shakib’s Test career ended in Kanpur as he did not get a chance to return home. T20 career stopped in West Indies. ODI career may stop in Pakistan in 2025.
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