Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has clarified Shakib’s ODI future. 

The 37-year-old all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has already announced his T20I retirement. While the Test series against the hosts India was his probable last Test, the all-rounder has a wish to play his last Test at home. 

Initially, Shakib was included in the Test squad for the ongoing home Test series against South Africa. However, due to security reasons, Shakib withdrew his name from the home Test series. 

It means Shakib is available: BCB president

Bangladesh will travel to the UAE for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Sharjah will host the ODI series on November 6, 9, and 11. While Shakib’s present was doubtful for the ODI series against Afghanistan, president Faruque Ahmed revealed his current status. 

Ahmed told the media, according to Cricbuzz, "Regarding Shakib Al Hasan, since the team (for the three ODIs against Afghanistan) has not been given yet, it means he is available.”

Shakib couldn't retire from Test cricket at home

Talking about Shakib’s absence for the ongoing home Test series against South Africa, Ahmed confirmed that the board wasn’t involved in Shakib’s decision. He also added that he tried best to end his Test career at home. 

While Shakib didn't return to Bangladesh after conclusion the India tour, the BCB president clarified that they would provide their best security to Shakib if he had arrived in the country. 

Recently, the media reports claimed that Najmul Hossain Shanto wants to step down from the captaincy role after the conclusion of the ongoing home Test series against South Africa. The BCB president has no clarity about this news. 

Shakib Al Hasan is set to play his last Test match at home as the former Bangladesh captain has been named in the 15-member squad for the first Test of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the first match of the two-match home Test series against South Africa. There is no addition to the Test squad, which recently toured India for a two-match Test series, but only the pacer Khaled Ahmed has been excluded.

While Mirpur will host the Test series opener from October 21, Chattogram will host the other Test, starting on October 29. 

This upcoming Test series will also be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, where Bangladesh are in the seventh position and South Africa are in fifth place. 

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Bangladesh never beat South Africa in Test cricket 

Bangladesh have never won against South Africa in the Test format. In 14 Tests between Bangladesh and South Africa, the Proteas won 12 games, and the other two matches ended in draw results. In Bangladesh, South Africa won four, apart from two draw results. 

Shakib Al Hasan can continue ODI career

Shakib Al Hasan recently announced his T20I retirement. While the all-rounder wished to retire from Test cricket at home, he is ready to fulfill this dream. 

While the all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is still active in the ODI format, he is likely to travel to the United Arab Emirates for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on November 6. 

Meanwhile, Phil Simmons will play the interim head coach role for Bangladesh during the forthcoming home Test series against South Africa. He has been chosen for the role in the interim base after head coach Chandika Hathurusingha’s suspension, who is also set to be terminated.   

Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the first Test against South Africa

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Shadman lslam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Faruque Ahmed, has stated that the board cannot guarantee Shakib Al Hasan the personal security he requested in order to play his final Test match at home. Shakib, who announced earlier today that the Dhaka Test against South Africa in October will be his last, raised concerns about his safety upon returning to Bangladesh.

Shakib’s final Test in doubt amid security concerns

Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s cricketing icons, expressed his desire to play his last Test match on home soil, provided that Cricket South Africa (CSA) proceeds with the tour of Bangladesh. However, uncertainty surrounds the tour due to political unrest in Bangladesh during July and August, which led to the deaths of hundreds of people in anti-government protests.

Shakib, who was a member of parliament in the Awami League-led government—the target of these protests—has not returned to Bangladesh since the fall of the government on August 5. The cricketer was named as one of 147 individuals in a murder case linked to the protests. With these legal and security challenges in mind, Shakib requested the BCB to provide assurances of his safety if he returns for the Test.

Speaking on the matter, BCB president Faruque Ahmed clarified that the board cannot ensure Shakib’s personal security, stating, "Shakib's security is not in the board's hand. The board can't provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that. His security has to come from the highest level of the government."

BCB’s limited role in security and Shakib’s future

Faruque also emphasized that the BCB is not a security agency, such as the police or Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and therefore lacks the authority to handle matters related to Shakib’s legal case. "Since his case is a sub-judice matter, we can't really do much about it," he added.

Despite these concerns, Faruque acknowledged the emotional weight of Shakib’s decision but refrained from attempting to change his mind. “Shakib is going through a difficult phase of his life. I didn't try to talk him out of the retirement. He thought that this was the right time for him to retire. I respect his decision," he said.

Shakib’s legal standing in Bangladesh remains uncertain, but Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, previously commented that he hopes Shakib would not face arrest if he returns to play. This sentiment was echoed by the BCB's cricket operations chief, Shahriar Nafees, who expressed confidence in Shakib’s safety based on these assurances from government officials.

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During a press conference in Kanpur, Shakib reiterated his concerns about safety. "I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn't have any problem going back to Bangladesh," he said. "But my concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it."

As Shakib’s potential final Test looms, the cricketing world awaits to see whether he will be able to fulfill his wish of bidding farewell on Bangladeshi soil. For now, his future remains uncertain, contingent on both the CSA tour and assurances from the highest levels of government regarding his safety.

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his T20I retirement on Thursday, before his team’s second Test against India at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. He has played in every edition of the T20 World Cup since 2007 and finished the 2024 edition as the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

Speaking to reporters before the second Test, Shakib Al Hasan also shared his plans for the Test and ODI formats. The 37-year-old all-rounder has not travelled to Bangladesh since the political unrest happened in the country in August as well. The veteran has also confirmed that he hopes to play his final Test for Bangladesh in Mirpur as well. However, if security concerns fall in the way, the upcoming Test against India in Kanpur will be his final Test match as well.

Shakib Al Hasan to retire from Test and ODI soon as well

“Going back to Bangladesh is not a concern, but leaving Bangladesh once I go there is dangerous,” Shakib Al Hasan told reporters in Kanpur on Thursday.

However, he also confirmed that the upcoming Champions Trophy in early 2025 will be his last ODI series for Bangladesh as well. Shakib, who made his international debut way back in 2006, is the only player to achieve the double of 14,000 runs and 700 wickets across formats as well.

SEE ALSO: Know about Kanpur pitch report for the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh

"In T20Is, I felt I played my last match during the last game of the World Cup" - Shakib Al Hasan

Since the end of the Chennai Test, there has been a big question about Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's availability for the second Test at Kanpur.

During the Chennai Test, the left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan was underused, especially in the first innings of the match. Shakib bowled only eight overs in the first innings, while the left-arm spinner also bowled 13 overs during India’s second innings. However, later Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto clarified that the former Bangladesh captain was underused, especially in the first innings as per team strategy.

SEE ALSO: Know about Kanpur pitch report for the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh

Shakib was injured during the Chennai Test

The left-handed batter Shakib scored 32 and 25 runs in that Chennai Test. While he was batting, he got a hit on his finger against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery. Although Shakib required a short medical treatment, he continued his batting.

There was a big question about Shakib’s availability for the Kanpur Test. Moreover, in the recent net session, Shakib only batted close to ten balls, which raised the doubt more. 

Shakib is eligible for selection: Chandika Hathurusingha

However, Bangladesh's head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has clarified Shakib’s present status. He straightly denied any injury concern for Shakib and claimed that the experienced all-rounder would be eligible for the Kanpur Test.

Hathurusingha said, "I have not heard anything on Shakib regarding any complaints. I haven't heard from my physio or anyone else so he is eligible for selection."

Despite a good start for Bangladesh in the Chennai Test, the visitors were thrashed by 280 runs. It was India’s largest victory margin against Bangladesh (by runs). 

Bangladesh are challenging for the top two places of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship points table, especially after their recent 2-0 series victory against the hosts Pakistan. However, the Chennai defeat has dropped them in the points table. 

Kanpur will host the second or last Test of the series, starting on September 27. While the hosts India are ready for another strong performance at home, Bangladesh have a major task to change the odds by winning the second Test. 

Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is doubtful for the second Test against India at Kanpur, starting September 27. 

Bangladesh lost the two-match Test series opener at Chennai by 280 runs. The visitors had a good start in the Test match by taking the first six wickets of the hosts for only 144 runs. However, Ravindra Jadeja and centurion Ravichandran Ashwin guided the hosts to the safe zone that helped India claim a big win.  

Shakib was somehow underused as the bowler, especially in the first innings. While the left-arm spinner bowled eight overs in the first innings, where India batted more than 90 overs, the Bangladesh spinner delivered 13 overs in the next innings. Shakib finished that Test match without a wicket.

As a left-handed batter, Shakib fought hard and scored 32 and 25 runs in the Chennai Test. During the Chennai Test, the batter Shakib once got a hit on his finger by a delivery from Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The Bangladesh star required some medical treatment before continuing his innings. 

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Shakib Al Hasan was a 100 percent fit before the Chennai Test: Hannan Sarkar 

Hannan Sarkar, a member of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel, has clarified that Shakib was 100 percent fit for the Chennai Test. 

Sarkar said, according to Cricbuzz, "We know the pain in his hand is being discussed. It was not there before the match and many have tried to explain it in different ways. But before the match, we got a 100 percent clearance from the physio before taking him. He was a 100 percent fit then.”

Sarkar also clarified that Shakib felt discomfort in his finger rather than calling it an injury. 

The former Bangladesh cricketer added, "You can't say it's an injury. The discomfort he felt in that finger was not there before the match. He felt that when he started to bowl.”

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also confirmed that Shakib's injury wasn't serious by revealing that he didn't use Shakib much in the bowling due to feeling other bowlers were doing well. 

Will Shakib play in the Kanpur Test?

Talking about Shakib’s availability confirmation for the upcoming Kanpur Test, Sarkar said that they could take a decision on it after the practice session on Tuesday (September 24). 

Sarkar said, "We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow (Tuesday) and today is a day off. We will have two sessions afterwards and we will judge after that (regarding Shakib's availability in the second Test) and we don't want to make a decision yet.

"These two days, the physio has kept him under observation. When we get back to the ground, we will get the physio's feedback. We have to think before picking Shakib for the next match and there is time before the next match. We will see what condition he is in.”

Why Shakib was biting the black strap while batting?

During the Chennai Test, Shakib was also seen biting down on a black strap that wrapped around his neck while batting. Mentor Mohammad Salahuddin and BCB's chief physician Dr Debashish Chowdhury later clarified that it was Shakib’s personal idea to have a correct head position at batting. 

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has hinted at the possibility of playing in the next T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

Leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, there were speculations that this tournament might be Shakib’s last in the T20I format. Shakib, along with Rohit Sharma, is one of the only two players to have featured in every edition of the ICC T20 World Cup so far.

Shakib hints at playing in the 2026 T20 World Cup

Currently, Shakib holds the record for the most wickets in the tournament’s history, with 47 wickets in 36 matches. Although he had previously mentioned making a decision about his international future after the 2025 Champions Trophy, he recently spoke about the possibility of extending his career with an eye on the next T20 World Cup as well.

“Firstly, when I started I didn’t expect that I will play for so long and secondly since the start of T20 Cricket World Cup till this T20 World Cup, I have participated in all them along with Rohit Sharma. It is a matter of pride for me and I’m happy that I could represent the country,” Shakib was quoted in a video uploaded in BCB’s Facebook page on Friday.”Me and Rohit Sharma are the only two players who played all the T20 World Cups and I hope that I can play another World Cup but before that would like to perform well in the tournament and Bangladesh can do better than previous T20 tournament,” he said.

“The only thing that I want is to contribute for Bangladesh team…”

Shakib, who spends most of his time in the USA where his family is based, expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s performance in the upcoming tournament. He noted that the wickets in the USA are expected to be similar to those in Bangladesh, which should favor his team. He also anticipates an equal battle between bat and ball in the ICC T20 World Cup.

“It is alright that USA is my second home but it is difficult to say but I think we will get that because earlier when we played in West Indies and America we did well and we played in Florida we did well,” said Shakib.

“We always get favour their because those pitches are quite similar to ours back home. I hope we will get advantage in both the places,” he said.

Shakib added that he is expecting an equal battle between bat and ball in the ICC T20 World Cup.

“The only thing that I feel is that here it should be the same competition between bat and ball and it should not be one-sided and normally that is not the case with World Cups and I feel it would be the same this time round.”

Shakib admitted that he still finds playing cricket much easier than handling his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament. Shakib is currently serving as an MP in Bangladesh after winning his Magura constituency in the last general elections.

See also: Know everything about India’s 2024 T20 World Cup warm-up match

“For me being the member of the parliament is difficult (compared to playing cricket) because I am playing for a long time since my childhood and feel very comfortable with it while this (politics) is new to me (being member of the parliament),” said Shakib who is eyeing to have support from Bangladeshi fans in the showpiece event.

“There will be lot of Bangladeshi fans there (in the World Cup) and I hope they will give us full support and this support will help us and we will be able to give good results,” he said.

“I don’t want to see anything besides my name and the only thing that I want is to contribute for Bangladesh team and hope to do well for Bangladesh in this World Cup,” he added.

With these insights, it is clear that Shakib Al Hasan remains passionate about his cricketing career and is considering extending his T20I journey beyond the 2024 World Cup.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s appointment as Bangladesh captain across all formats earlier this year marks a significant milestone in his career. Now, he is set to steer his team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, showcasing his leadership mettle on the global stage.

Impressive Performance Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh’s confidence was substantially boosted following their impressive 4-1 victory over Zimbabwe in the recently concluded T20I home series. This victory served as a testament to the team’s capabilities and set the stage for their campaign in the T20 World Cup.

See Also: Rohit Sharma likely to retire from T20Is after WC, Hardik selected under ‘Pressure’: Reports

Key Inclusions in the Squad

The announcement of Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the marquee event brought a blend of experience and youth. Notably, the return of seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to T20I cricket after a hiatus of almost a year added depth to the squad. Shakib’s stellar performance in the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe, where he clinched a four-wicket haul, underscored his value to the team.

Young Talents in Focus

While Bangladesh’s squad selection did not include any major surprises, the inclusion of young quick Tanzim Hasan Sakib after his promising performances against Zimbabwe showcased the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents. Additionally, the selection of left-arm quick Shoriful Islam further bolstered the team’s pace attack, adding variety and depth to the bowling unit.

Group Dynamics

Bangladesh is placed in Group D alongside formidable opponents such as South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal. The group promises to be fiercely competitive, with each team vying for a spot in the tournament’s knockout stages. Bangladesh’s journey kicks off with a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 7th.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud

Shakib Al Hasan, renowned for his exceptional cricketing skills, is among the greatest all-rounders in the sport’s history. His remarkable performances on the field have earned him accolades and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide. However, behind the veneer of professional excellence lies a controversial figure marred by instances of on-field aggression and off-field altercations. Despite his prowess, Shakib’s conduct has often stirred controversies and raised questions about his temperament and sportsmanship.

A Display of Unacceptable Conduct

Shakib’s aggression boiled over during a domestic T20 match featuring Mohammedan Sporting against Abahani Limited, leading to a shocking on-field outburst. In a moment of frustration, he kicked the set of stumps at the bowlers’ end and engaged in contentious exchanges with umpires, tarnishing his reputation with unacceptable conduct.

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Criticism and Consequences

Shakib’s actions drew widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and cricketing authorities, highlighting the seriousness of his behaviour. The incident raised concerns about his ability to maintain composure and uphold the spirit of the game, prompting calls for disciplinary action.

Off-Field Incidents

Apart from on-field controversies, Shakib’s off-field demeanour has also been scrutinised. In a disturbing incident captured on video and shared widely on social media, he was seen physically assaulting a fan who attempted to take a selfie with him before a Dhaka Premier League match.

The video depicted Shakib’s disregard for fan interaction and his propensity for aggressive behaviour, reflecting poorly on his public image. The incident sparked outrage among cricket fans and underscored concerns about his attitude towards supporters and the media.