Shakib Al Hasan wanted to say goodbye to the elite version of cricket by playing the Dhaka Test against South Africa. The squad was also announced with him, but ultimately could not come due to security reasons. Before the start of the Test, his absence was at the center of discussion.
The match ended with Bangladesh losing on the fourth day of the Mirpur Test. Shakib was in the discussion even after the test. The Protea camp advanced by winning the first match of the series by 7 wickets. In the post-match press conference, Shakib was asked for his reaction to Mehdi Hasan Miraj on his farewell Test.
Commenting that Shakib has achieved a lot for Bangladesh, Miraj urged Shakib to stand by him, ‘We all know the issue of Shakib bhai. I don’t think anyone knows why he didn’t come or play. Of course Shakib bhai is a legendary player.’
‘He has achieved a lot for Bangladesh. We all know it. Can’t deny it. As he is going through a situation. I think everyone should be on his side’ added Miraj.
Before the Kanpur Test against India, Shakib said that he wants to play the last Test against South Africa on the country’s soil. If security is guaranteed, he will return to the country. After the squad announcement, Shakib left for Dhaka from USA. But after arriving in Dubai, he was discouraged from coming to the country by the government’s youth and sports advisor. Shakib did not turn up, replaced by Hasan Murad.
There has also been a movement about this. There has been back-and-forth between Shakib fans and anti-Shakib fans. Finally the Home of Cricket was wrapped in security blankets.
Miraj’s name has come up most in his place in Shakib’s career. The Bangladesh captain also said that they have confidence in Mirage. Mirage has also proved it by playing an innings of 97 runs in the second innings with the bat against the Proteas. But does Miraj think of himself as an alternative to Shakib?
‘All of you say that – in the place of Sakib Bhai, I! He has achieved a lot for Bangladesh, playing for the country for 17 years. A legendary cricketer. I started running only 1-2 years ago, and he ran from the beginning.’
‘Sakib bhai in place of Saqib bhai, me in my place. It is best not to compare one player with another. And I bat at number seven-eight. And he used to bat in the top order. So when my time comes I will try to play good cricket for the needs of the team.’
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