New Delhi: Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has already announced his retirement from T20Is, is set to bid farewell to Test cricket as well. However, he made a wish to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), seeking security from them as he wants to play his final Test for Bangladesh at his favorite Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. In a major development, he has been asked to clear his political stance before claiming the same.
Bangladesh Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud on Sunday made it clear that Shakib needs to stay clear of his political stance before asking for personal security. Shakib, at the pre-match press conference of the ongoing IND vs BAN 2nd Test, said that he is looking to end his Test career at home if the BCB assures him security. BCB in response said that they aren’t in a position to ensure his security, leaving it in the hands of the government.
Why does Shakib need security for?
Shakib entered into politics as he became associated with the Awami League government and during the recent Bangladesh unrest, was among the 156 people who were accused in the FIR of a murder case. There has been outrage in the public for him as he chose to remain silent during the student’s protest which threw the country into turmoil as the government stepped down.
Mahmud also said that Shakib will definitely receive the security just like any other cricketer receives and that the state will naturally ensure that just like for their citizens.
“BCB addressed the issue and the state is bound to give security to each and every one of its citizens. We will obviously do this. In this case, you have to remember that Shakib Al Hasan has two identities – the cricketer and the politician. He took part in the general elections from Awami League’s panel. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities,” Mahmud told reporters at the law ministry as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“Now, we will give Shakib, the cricketer, enough security, as much as a player receives. This is our responsibility and we will give him that if he comes to the country,” Mahmud added.
Mahmud also went on to add that no one can help him when there is public outrage towards him because of his political stance. He said that 100 million people can easily outnumber the 5-6 security personnel which puts his security at stake. Therefore he said that he would have to calm the people down with his words by making his position clear and talking about his standpoint.
Mahmud quoted the names of Mashrafee Bin Mortaza and ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had to flee the country due to a lack of security. If it turns out that no positive news arrives for the ace allrounder, then the Kanpur Test against India in which he currently features, is in all likelihood his last Test.
Shakib Al Hasan sought security from BCB for his wish of making a last appearance in Tests at the Mirpur Stadium in Dhaka, for which he has been asked to clear his political stance in the heated affair. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
