Shakib's security clearance for final Test not guaranteed: BCB
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has expressed uncertainty over Shakib Al Hasan's security clearance for his final Test match. This was revealed during a press conference following a four-hour board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Ahmed stated that the responsibility of ensuring Shakib's safety lies with the government, not the cricket board. Here are further details.
Shakib's retirement plans and security concerns
Shakib has announced his intention to retire from Test cricket after the home series against South Africa. His dream is to play his last Test at his home ground in Mirpur. However, this plan is dependent on him obtaining security clearance to participate in the series. "We don't have it (Shakib's security) in our hand," Ahmed told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
BCB's stance on Shakib's security issues
Ahmed clarified that the BCB is not in a position to guarantee Shakib's safety. "The security needs to come from the government and he will have to take his own decision," he said. He further stated, "We cannot say anything about his security. We don't have the ability to provide security to any individual." This statement underscores the complexity of Shakib's situation as he prepares for retirement.
Shakib's potential final Test in India
If Shakib is unable to secure clearance for the South Africa series, his final Test may take place in Kanpur against India. Ahmed acknowledged this possibility but emphasized that it's not within their control to arrange an exit plan for Shakib. "The Kanpur Test might be his last Test if he cannot come, provided he plays," Ahmed said.
Shakib's performance and future prospects
Shakib has been facing challenges both on and off the field. He was implicated in a murder case by Adabor police station during political unrest, but the BCB allowed him to continue playing until proven guilty. On the field, his form has been inconsistent with no half-century this year and only nine wickets in eight innings. Despite these struggles, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has shown support for Shakib's commitment to improve his game.
Shakib's performance in 1st Test raised questions
Shakib bowled eight overs in the first innings, conceding 50 runs (ER: 6.20). He scored a 64-ball 32 with the bat thereafter in Bangladesh's score of 149. Shakib then bowled 13 overs, giving away 79 runs. Notably, he failed to bowl a single maiden across two innings. During Bangladesh's chase, Shakib managed 25 runs from 56 balls. Shakib contributed to Bangladesh's defeat by a massive margin of 280 runs in Chennai.
Shakib retires from T20Is, confirms final Test appearance
Shakib has retired from T20I cricket with immediate effect. Shakib announced the same while addressing the media ahead of Bangladesh's 2nd Test against India in Kanpur. The 37-year-old also revealed that he will play his last Test in the impending series against South Africa at home. Notably, Shakib is expected to represent Bangladesh in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
