Fans of Shakib Al Hasan protested outside Mirpur Stadium in Dhaka after he canceled his trip home from the U.S. due to security concerns, amidst a turbulent political climate and challenges facing Bangladesh cricket.
Fans of Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer and politician, gathered outside Mirpur Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday to protest ahead of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. Shakib, who had flown in from the United States to join the Bangladesh team, canceled his trip to Dhaka while in Dubai, citing ‘security concerns.’ This unexpected decision left many of his fans shocked, leading hundreds of supporters to congregate outside the stadium, which is set to host the Test series starting on Monday.
“I am a big fan of Shakib Al Hasan. You can not exclude Shakib from the Bangladesh team, because he is one of the best cricketers in the world. I do not believe that he did any crime as he was abroad during the movement. Why he was barred from coming home”, said a fan wearing a Bangladesh jersey while hundreds of his supporters shouted “Shakib Shakib Shakib”.
“Why will Shakib say goodbye to cricket from Kanpur (India)? He will say goodbye from Mirpur as he wishes”, said another supporter.
Supporters are apprehensive about the challenges that Bangladesh cricket may face in the aftermath of Shakib’s departure.
“Without Shakib, the Bangladesh team is immobile”, said a fan.
Significantly, Shakib officially became a member of the Awami League party in 2023. He filed his nomination as the party’s candidate for the Magura-1 parliamentary seat in the 2024 Bangladesh general election, successfully securing the position.
Two months ago, a student-led uprising resulted in the ousting of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, following weeks of protests and violent clashes that claimed over 600 lives. On August 5, Hasina, aged 76, sought refuge in India, leading to the establishment of an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Leaders and supporters of the Awami League, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently facing numerous legal cases linked to alleged crimes committed during the July-August uprising. Shakib Al Hasan has also been named as one of the accused but expressed his desire to bid farewell to cricket after the upcoming Test series against South Africa. He has since requested security for his safety.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded positively to Shakib Al Hasan’s situation and included him in the team for the upcoming series. Although Shakib flew from the USA, he abandoned his homecoming during a layover in Dubai, citing security concerns.
In another significant development, the BCB appointed former West Indies batter Phil Simmons as the head coach of the national men’s cricket team. This decision came after the suspension of Chandika Hathurusinghe due to misconduct allegations.Shakib Al Hasan’s supporters rally in Dhaka before upcoming Test series against South Africa