Shakib not returning to the country today

After uncertainty cleared, Shakib Al Hasan was included in the squad announced for the first Test against South Africa.

Shakib was supposed to arrive in Dhaka at 11:20 PM tonight. However, after departing from the United States and arriving in Dubai, he received a message from the government.

The BCB had informed that the veteran all-rounder would return to the country tonight to play his farewell Test. Shakib had even set off to return, but a last-minute twist has led to new uncertainty. At present, the chances of his return appear very slim.

Considering the situation, Shakib is now thinking of not returning. He told the online news portal Bdnews24.com that he might not be able to return right now and will instead head back to the United States from Dubai. No comments have been made by anyone from the BCB on the matter.

Shakib already had a long transit in Dubai. He was scheduled to board his flight to Bangladesh this afternoon. Speaking to the online news outlet from Dubai, the Bangladesh all-rounder said, "I was supposed to return to the country… but now, I might not be able to because of security concerns, for my own safety…" When asked about a final decision regarding his return, Shakib said, "You could say the decision is final now."

After hearing the news of Shakib's return, students burned his effigy on Wednesday. They also announced they would protest if Shakib returned to the country. The students plan to appeal to the BCB to bar him from entering the stadium. This afternoon, they will submit a memorandum to the BCB, urging other students to join them in their protest at the BCB offices.

During the India tour, Shakib announced his retirement from Test cricket. Despite announcing it abroad, the country's greatest cricketer had expressed his desire to bid farewell from the home ground. However, there was uncertainty about whether he could play his last Test in the country. Initially, BCB President Faruk Ahmed and Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan issued strong statements. The sports advisor had called on Shakib to clarify his political stance.

A few days later, Shakib clarified his position through a post on his official Facebook page and expressed regret for remaining silent during the anti-discrimination student movement. Following this, the sports advisor announced that the Bangladesh all-rounder would be provided with the highest level of security. He also stated that there were no obstacles preventing Shakib from returning to or leaving the country. Everything seemed to be moving smoothly, but this last-minute uncertainty has now stalled Shakib's return.

In addition to playing for the national team, Shakib had also served as a Member of Parliament. In January, he was elected from the Magura-1 constituency as the candidate of the Awami League. His name surfaced in the murder case of garment worker Rubel, who was killed during the student movement in August. Shakib was named the 28th accused in the case. He has long been criticized for his silence regarding the student movement.