• Source:JND
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Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is likely to miss his final Test match against South Africa in Mirpur, Dhaka, scheduled from October 21-25, 2024, due to protests against him in the city. Shakib was included in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test against the Proteas, which was expected to be his final appearance in Test cricket. However, he expressed uncertainty about returning to Bangladesh, citing concerns for his family’s safety amid the unrest.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Shakib said, "I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home," reflecting his apprehension. The protests and political unrest are linked to Shakib’s former role as a lawmaker in the government ousted by a revolution in August 2024. His prominence both as a cricketer and a political figure has contributed to the tension surrounding his return to Dhaka.

The 37-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket last month but said that he wanted to play one last Test series at home, following which he was included in the squad for the two Tests against South Africa.

He was one of 147 people named in an FIR for an alleged murder during the unrest.

While announcing the squad, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selector Hannan Sarkar on Wednesday said that they selected Shakib after getting a "green signal" from the authorities.

"We haven't received any further instructions from the BCB or the cricket operations committee. It is a paused status at the moment. He is in transit in Dubai," Ashraf said.

Students started protesting his imminent arrival from Wednesday evening.

Inputs from PTI