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Shakib Al Hasan's anticipated farewell Test match against South Africa in Dhaka was disrupted by protests from a student group. Due to these protests, Shakib was unable to travel to Bangladesh, effectively ending his Test career. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto addressed the absence of Shakib Al Hasan from the first Test match.
Najmul Hossain Shanto refuses to talk about Shakib Al Hasan's absence from BAN vs SA 1st Test
During the pre-match press conference, Najmul Hossain Shanto was questioned about Shakib Al Hasan's absence from the team. Shanto responded in a measured tone, stating that the team's primary focus is on the match itself and they are determined to give their best performance.
“It will only be a waste of time if we think too much about this, since we cannot control it. These two Tests are very important to us... Players are preparing and focusing on cricket only," Shanto said.
Najmul was also questioned about Bangladesh's new head coach, Phil Simmons, who recently replaced Chandika Hathurusingha. The upcoming series against South Africa will mark Simmons' debut as Bangladesh's head coach.
"He is trying to understand the environment inside the dressing room. But he is new and we also don't know him well. I hope in the next few matches we can adjust,” Shanto further added.
Shakib Al Hasan, a former Member of Parliament from Magura district in Bangladesh, was affiliated with the Awami League party. This party was ousted from power by a student movement, forcing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into exile and leading to the brutal treatment of party members.
Shakib himself is implicated in a murder case along with 146 others. As a member of the Awami League, he fears for his safety upon returning to Bangladesh.
The political unrest in Bangladesh, with an interim government in power, has prevented Shakib from returning to his home country. He has been residing in the USA and recently participated in the two-match Test series against Pakistan, which Bangladesh won 2-0. Following this, he joined Surrey County Cricket Club in the UK.
Following the Test series against Pakistan, Shakib Al Hasan traveled to India for a two-match Test series. Unfortunately, Bangladesh lost the series 0-2, marking the end of Shakib's Test career. He subsequently returned to the USA, where his family resides.
Shakib's plans to play his final Test match in Bangladesh were disrupted by the ongoing protests against him. He was stranded in the UAE after learning about the situation and was unable to return to his home country. Bangladesh's veteran is undoubtedly the most prominent figure in Bangladeshi cricket and is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer to emerge from the nation. Having already retired from T20Is, Shakib will now focus on playing One-Day Internationals.
