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.

David Warner, the former Australian opener, has hinted at a potential return to international cricket for the Champions Trophy next year, despite announcing his retirement from all formats over the past year.Warner retired from Test cricket in January 2023, followed by his ODI retirement after the 2023 World Cup. However, he has consistently expressed his willingness to play in the Champions Trophy if selected.In a recent Instagram post, Warner reiterated his availability for the tournament, which will be held in Pakistan from February to March 2024. "I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for [Australia] in the Champions Trophy if selected," he wrote.Despite Warner's desire to return, it remains unlikely given his absence from Australia's upcoming matches leading up to the tournament. The team will tour England for ODIs in September and face Pakistan in November, where Jake Fraser-McGurk is expected to be a frontrunner for the opening spot.Australian captain Pat Cummins has previously expressed reservations about Warner's return for the Champions Trophy, suggesting that it would be an "emergency option." However, he acknowledged Warner's continued ability to score runs and left the door open for a potential recall.Warner's ODI career ended with an impressive tally of 6932 runs at an average of 45.30, including 22 centuries. He is second only to Ricky Ponting in Australia's all-time ODI run-scoring list.In his Instagram post, Warner expressed gratitude for his international career and the support of his family and fans. "It's been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period," he wrote. "Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level. It's been an honour to be able to do this."Warner's future plans include playing in Canada's GT20 and a T10 tournament in the Cayman Islands. He is also expected to return to the Sydney Thunder for the BBL and has a deal with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.