Shakib Al Hasan is confirmed available for the ODI series against Afghanistan, as stated by BCB President Faruque Ahmed. The series will take place in the UAE from November 6 to 11. Shakib’s recent absence from cricket in Bangladesh, primarily due to political backlash, has raised concerns over his ability to retire in front of home fans. The BCB emphasizes its support for Shakib, though acknowledges limitations due to legal and public sentiment issues.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially confirmed the availability of the esteemed allrounder Shakib Al Hasan for the upcoming three-match One Day International series against Afghanistan. BCB President Faruque Ahmed communicated this affirmation, indicating that there are no restrictions preventing Shakib from participating in the matches. Scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates—Afghanistan’s designated home venue—the series is set to commence with the first match on November 6, followed by two additional matches on November 9 and 11. During a briefing with reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, President Faruque stated, “Since the team (for the three-match series against Afghanistan) has not been given yet, it means he is available.” Shakib’s recent career has been marked by significant political unrest. The former lawmaker from the ousted Awami League government faced public backlash and was advised against returning to Bangladesh. His departure occurred in the wake of a significant movement in which citizens expressed their discontent towards him for remaining silent during a student-led uprising. As a consequence, Shakib did not participate in his anticipated final Test against South Africa at home, which has elicited considerable sentiment from both fans and cricket officials alike. President Faruque expressed his dismay regarding Shakib’s inability to conclude his career in front of his home crowd, emphasizing, “Personally I believe it would have been good if he could retire in front of the home crowd. As a former player, I feel for him…he has been playing cricket for 17 years and had done a lot for the country’s cricket.” He remarked on the complexity of Shakib’s situation, highlighting that the board had no role in his decision to abstain from returning due to legal considerations and public sentiment. He assured that had Shakib returned, the BCB would have implemented all necessary security measures to ensure his safety. “Since he didn’t come, there is no point talking about it,” concluded Faruque, indicating the limitations of the board’s involvement in the circumstances surrounding Shakib’s situation.
The situation surrounding Shakib Al Hasan is indicative of the intersection of sports and politics in Bangladesh. Shakib, one of the nation’s preeminent cricketers, found himself in a politically charged environment after serving as a Member of Parliament under a contentious regime. His involvement in cricket during a time of civil unrest has led to significant public scrutiny, ultimately contributing to his decision to remain abroad. The context of his career and recent events paints a broader picture of how athletes can be affected by socio-political dynamics, particularly when public sentiment turns against them. The BCB’s handling of Shakib’s situation underscores their balance between supporting the player and navigating the delicate political landscape.
In summary, the BCB has confirmed Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for the ODI series against Afghanistan, while addressing the complexities surrounding his recent absence from the national scene. The board, acknowledging the external pressures Shakib has faced, reiterated their commitment to supporting him within the confines of their jurisdiction. The upcoming matches represent a potential opportunity for Shakib to contribute significantly to his team, even as the backdrop of his recent controversies continues to linger.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
