Shakib seeks security assurances before playing at home

Shakib Al Hasan has been playing for the Bangladesh cricket team almost like a "nomad," traveling from country to country.

After playing in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA last June, the veteran all-rounder returned to Bangladesh, only to leave again within two days. Since then, Shakib has been playing for the national team while staying abroad. When Shakib will return to the country is currently unknown, even to him. However, he has expressed his desire to play at home, hoping for security assurances.

In the last national elections, Shakib was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Magura-1 constituency, representing the Awami League. Shortly after stepping into the political field while still active in cricket, Shakib faced a challenging period. Following the overthrow of the Awami League government through a mass uprising, Shakib's name surfaced in a murder case. A legal notice was also sent to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal from the team and his return to the country.

Despite these challenges, the BCB has stood by Shakib. BCB President Faruk Ahmed stated that Shakib would continue playing for the national team unless proven guilty. The board has also offered him legal support. However, even with the BCB's backing, Shakib remains uncertain about his safety at home. Before returning to play his final Test series against South Africa, Shakib is seeking assurances of security. He also wants guarantees that he will face no issues when traveling abroad again.

The second and final Test of the Bangladesh-India series will begin on 27 September in Kanpur. The day before the match, Shakib appeared at a press conference on behalf of the team. Along with answering several questions from journalists, the legendary cricketer announced his retirement from Test and T20 cricket. He wishes to bid farewell to Test cricket after playing against South Africa at home. However, before returning to Bangladesh, he hopes to feel safe in his homeland.

Addressing the issue of security concerns, Shakib said, "I want to go back, play, and feel safe. When I need to leave the country, I want to do so without any problems. The board is looking into it. Those involved are monitoring the situation. They will probably give me a decision, based on which I can return to the country and at least finish my Test career smoothly." Shakib made it clear that his return to Bangladesh depends on the decision of those involved.

Shakib has been away from the country for an extended period. After playing in the T20 World Cup, he returned to Bangladesh but left for the USA within two days to participate in Major League Cricket (MLC). He then captained the Mississauga franchise, Bangla Tigers, in the Global T20 in Canada. After that, Shakib played a Test series in Pakistan. Following the series, he played one match for Surrey in the County Championship in England before joining the Bangladesh team in India, where he is currently based.