Cricket

Shakib Al Hasan's Fans Attacked Amidst Test Retirement ControversyShakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding his retirement from Test cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially approved his request to retire during the series against South Africa, but the Bangladesh government advised him against returning to the country due to security concerns.This decision sparked protests among Shakib's fans, who gathered outside the Mirpur cricket stadium in Dhaka. On Sunday, a group of individuals attacked the protesters with sticks, prompting the intervention of army and law enforcement personnel.The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Shakib's retirement. In 2023, he joined the Awami League party and filed a nomination to contest in the 2024 Bangladesh general election. However, the party's leaders and supporters, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are facing allegations of crimes committed during a recent uprising.Shakib is one of the accused in these cases, but he expressed his desire to bid farewell to cricket after the Test series against South Africa. The BCB's decision to appoint Phil Simmons as the new head coach, replacing Chandika Hathurusinghe, further complicates the situation.The controversy has raised questions about the safety of athletes in Bangladesh and the role of politics in sports. Shakib's fans remain adamant in their support, while the government and BCB face pressure to address the security concerns and ensure a fair resolution for the cricketer.

Shakib Al Hasan Protests Erupt Outside Bangladesh StadiumOn Sunday, the day before the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa, a clash erupted outside the Shere Bangla National Stadium between pro-Shakib Al Hasan and anti-Shakib Al Hasan groups.The "Shakibians" demanded the reinstatement of Shakib in the Test squad, while the opposing group, Mirpur Chhatra Janata, had earlier sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal.The clash occurred as the South African team trained inside the stadium. Security forces intervened to disperse the protesters, and one person was reportedly detained.Shakib's inclusion in the squad had sparked controversy due to his political affiliations with the Awami League party, which was overthrown in August. The BCB withdrew him from the team on Friday, citing security concerns.Shakib's fans have since staged protests outside the stadium, demanding his reinstatement. On Sunday, they were met with barricades and security forces.The BCB has not yet commented on the protests or Shakib's future with the national team. The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Monday.

Shakib Al Hasan's Absence Sparks Protests as Bangladesh Prepares for South Africa Test SeriesBangladeshi cricket fans gathered outside the Mirpur Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Friday to protest the exclusion of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from the national team ahead of the upcoming home test series against South Africa.Shakib, who is also a politician, had initially flown from the United States to join the Bangladesh team but abruptly canceled his trip while in Dubai, citing "security concerns." The development sent shockwaves through the cricket community, with hundreds of Shakib's supporters taking to the streets to express their outrage."Shakib is one of the best cricketers in the world. You can't exclude him from the team," said one fan wearing a Bangladesh jersey. "He didn't do anything wrong. Why is he being barred from coming home?"Another supporter added, "Shakib wants to say goodbye to cricket from Mirpur, not Kanpur. He will do it on his own terms."The fans fear that Bangladesh cricket will suffer without Shakib's presence. "The team is immobile without him," said one fan.Shakib's absence stems from his involvement in politics. He joined the ruling Awami League party in 2023 and won a parliamentary seat in the 2024 general election. However, the party has been accused of committing crimes during a recent uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib is one of the accused in these cases.Despite the allegations, Shakib had expressed his desire to continue playing cricket and had sought security guarantees from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The BCB initially responded positively and announced his inclusion in the team. However, Shakib's decision to cancel his trip has raised questions about his safety concerns.The BCB has since appointed former West Indies batter Phil Simmons as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Chandika Hathurusinghe.

Bangladesh's government has pledged to provide cricketer Shakib Al Hasan with security befitting a national player. However, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has emphasized that Shakib must clarify his political stance to appease the public.Mahmud acknowledged Shakib's declining popularity due to his silence during the recent student-led protests, which resulted in numerous casualties. At a press conference in Kanpur, Shakib evaded questions about his position on the political upheaval in Bangladesh.Mahmud attributed Shakib's predicament to his dual role as a cricketer and politician. He noted that Shakib's involvement in the Awami League, which was overthrown in a student-led revolution, has drawn public ire."The state is obligated to provide security to all citizens, including Shakib," Mahmud said. "However, we must consider his dual identities. He has two identities - the cricketer and the politician. People have mixed reactions regarding both his identities."Mahmud emphasized that while the government will provide security to Shakib as a cricketer, it cannot guarantee his safety if the public remains hostile towards him due to his political affiliation."If half the country's population is angry at me, then the five or six security persons I have won't be enough to protect me," Mahmud said. "Shakib can reduce the public's anger through his own words. I think he has to clarify his political standpoint."Mahmud also addressed the murder case in which Shakib has been named. He cited statements by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who indicated that Shakib's name could be removed from the case if he is not found to be complicit.Shakib is reportedly planning to return to the USA after the Kanpur Test. He is not part of the T20I squad for the upcoming series against India, having announced his retirement from the shortest format.