Uncertainty around Shakib Al Hasan deepens as CSA approves Bangladesh Test tour after security assessment

The looming uncertainty over Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the upcoming Test series between Bangladesh and South Africa has deepened, even as Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave the green light for the tour to proceed. Despite CSA’s thorough security assessments, the personal concerns surrounding Shakib’s safety remain unresolved, leaving his role in the series unclear.

South Africa’s two-Test series in Bangladesh, set to commence on October 21, will proceed as scheduled after CSA completed a detailed security evaluation. The first Test will take place in Dhaka, followed by the second in Chattogram. CSA’s decision came after an in-person inspection by the board’s safety and security team, who, along with the South African Cricketers’ Association, assessed the situation in Bangladesh.

Despite political unrest that led to anti-government protests and the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government earlier this year, CSA’s team concluded that the environment was stable enough to proceed with the tour.

South Africa’s squad is expected to arrive in Dhaka on October 16, marking the continuation of their World Test Championship campaign, where they face an uphill battle to qualify for the finals.

Shakib Al Hasan participation under scrutiny

While the tour has been confirmed, uncertainty surrounds the participation of Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan. His involvement is under question due to ongoing political tensions and personal safety concerns. Shakib, a former member of parliament aligned with the Awami League, has found himself at the centre of public discontent after remaining silent during the student-led protests that resulted in the government’s downfall. His political affiliation has drawn criticism from sections of the public, many of whom blame the Awami League for the country’s political instability.

Bangladesh’s government has assured Shakib al Hasan of the same level of security provided to any national athlete. However, as noted by Asif Mahmud, a sports adviser to the government, the situation is more complicated due to Shakib’s dual identity as both a cricketer and a politician. “We will give Shakib the security a sportsperson is entitled to, but his political identity makes things difficult. The public’s anger towards his political role cannot be overlooked, and no amount of security can protect him from that,” Mahmud said as per ESPNcricinfo.

Shakib Al Hasan Political stance unclear

In a recent press conference, Shakib al Hasan was asked to clarify his political stance but chose to avoid the topic. Instead, he announced that the upcoming Dhaka Test could be his last, depending on whether the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the government could guarantee his safety. This statement has added to the speculation about his immediate future in international cricket.

The government’s adviser also suggested that Shakib should follow the example of former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who openly discussed his political position following the political unrest. Mahmud indicated that by clarifying his stance, Shakib could ease public anger and potentially reduce the threats against him.

Legal complications add to Shakib Al Hasan dilemma

Further complicating Shakib’s situation is his involvement in a murder case related to the protests, where he, along with over 140 others, has been named. Though the Bangladeshi law ministry has downplayed the risk of Shakib facing arrest, stating that merely being named does not implicate guilt, the legal troubles add another layer of uncertainty to his participation in the series.

Shakib has not been in Bangladesh since the start of the T20 World Cup and reportedly plans to return to the USA, where his family resides, following the Kanpur Test. He has already announced his retirement from T20 internationals, further raising questions about his future in the Test format.

Shakib’s Future Remains Uncertain

While CSA has approved South Africa’s Test tour of Bangladesh, the situation surrounding Shakib Al Hasan remains precarious. His safety concerns, political identity, and legal complications create a cloud of uncertainty over his involvement in the series. As the BCB and Bangladesh’s government work to ensure the security of their national icon, the final decision will likely rest on whether Shakib feels safe enough to take the field in Dhaka later this month.