Salahuddin urges forgiveness after Shakib blocked from playing final Test

Shakib Al Hasan couldn't play his final Test match on home soil due to public outrage. However, renowned coach Mohammad Salahuddin has expressed deep disappointment that a remorseful Shakib wasn't given one last opportunity.

Commenting on the ongoing issue, Salahuddin said, "We are becoming different somehow; the sense of compassion and kindness seems to have vanished from us."

Before the Kanpur Test against India, Shakib had announced his retirement and stated that he wanted to play his farewell match in Mirpur against South Africa. Arrangements were made for Shakib to retire on home soil, and he was included in the squad for the first Test. However, protests erupted within the cricket community, with many demanding that Shakib not be allowed to return to the country. As a result, and for security concerns, Shakib was advised not to come back and play his final Test match, despite having reached as far as Dubai.

In a long Facebook post, Salahuddin wrote, "Never before have I felt such anger or sorrow towards my country and its people. But today, for some reason, I do. Do we as humans never make mistakes? If someone feels remorse, they deserve a second chance. But we are changing as human beings. Compassion and kindness seem to have disappeared from among us."

Shakib was abroad during the July uprising, spending time with his family in a relaxed mood. He was also a member of parliament in the outgoing government. Recently, however, he expressed regret and remorse over his actions.

Salahuddin further wrote, "For 17 years, this man has done something for the country. Today, why does the cricket world show us any respect? Is it not because of these people? The tears of those who won't be able to take the field—no one will see that. Are they murderers because they are involved in politics?"

Praising his disciple Shakib, Salahuddin continued, "Do you know how much these people have done? How many have they provided with food and clothing? Do you know how many helpless people they have helped with medical treatment?"

Referring to former government MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, a close associate of Shakib, Salahuddin added, "They are enemies today because they didn't make any status updates. Did you see when Mashrafe fought for the country after five surgeries? Did you notice how Shakib bowled with a broken finger, or how Tamim batted with one hand? Everyone loves their country to some extent, but perhaps their love just isn't always visible."

Expressing his anger over Shakib's inability to bid farewell on home soil, the coach further stated, "Forgive people. Allah will forgive many of our sins. We are all sinners to some extent."