BCB also in the dark regarding Shakib's situation

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself completely in the dark regarding Shakib Al Hasan's return to the country or his participation in the farewell Test against South Africa.

Despite initially naming the experienced all-rounder in the squad for the first Test, last-minute uncertainty has clouded his arrival. Whether Shakib will return, play the Test, or be replaced remains unknown, leaving the BCB uncertain about the situation.

The BCB's predicament is further complicated by the lack of clear communication from the government regarding Shakib's security arrangements. BCB President Faruk Ahmed and CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury are currently attending an ICC meeting in Dubai, while many board directors have been absent since the change in government. Those present are not in a position to comment, and neither the selectors nor the cricket operations department have any concrete information. As a result, no final decisions have been made on whether to call in a replacement or continue with the 14-man squad.

The uncertainty surrounding Shakib comes as the National Cricket League (NCL) prepares to kick off on 19 october, with matches taking place at BKSP, Khulna, Bogura, and Sylhet. Cricketers are busy with their respective teams, while selectors are set to visit the venues tomorrow. Abdur Razzak, who is currently in India, will join them, and the NCL matches will be their focus until 20 october. Any decision about Shakib's replacement or the squad will likely be made during their observations of the NCL.

Shakib, who had earlier announced his retirement from Test cricket during the India tour, expressed his desire to play his final Test in front of a home crowd. However, there had been uncertainty surrounding his farewell from the start. Initially, BCB President Faruk Ahmed and Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan made strong statements, with Bhuiyan calling on Shakib to clarify his political stance.

Shakib later took to Facebook to clarify his position, apologising for his silence during the anti-discrimination student movement. The sports advisor then assured that Shakib would be provided with maximum security and that there would be no obstacles to his return. However, in a last-minute twist, Shakib's return to the country has been delayed, with no clear resolution in sight.

In addition to his cricketing career, Shakib was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Magura-1 constituency in January, representing the Awami League. His name was linked to the murder case of garment worker Rubel, who was killed during a student movement in August, where Shakib was listed as the 28th accused. His silence during the movement has long been a point of criticism.