Pro-Shakib And Anti-Shakib Groups Clash Outside Stadium Ahead Of BAN vs SA 1st Test

It is being learnt that a group called "Shakibians" chanted slogans and demanded that the star all-rounder be included in the Test team.

Shakib Al Hasan has not stepped foot on Bangladesh soil since May.

Source : PTI

Pro-Shakib Al Hasan and anti-Shakib Al Hasan groups were reportedly engaged in a clash outside the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Sunday ahead of the Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test set to be played at this venue. It is being learnt that a group called "Shakibians" chanted slogans and demanded that the star all-rounder be included in the Test team.

However, the group was chased away by another group with the security forces present. Meanwhile, the South African cricket team were training inside the stadium when all of this was happening outside the facility. Even though there were no injuries reported, a report carried by Dhaka's Prothom Alo said that security forces had detained one person.

READ HERE | Shakib Al Hasan To Face Jail Term Or Cricket Ban? BCB To Make Decision Before PAK vs BAN 2nd Test

BCB Withdrew Shakib From The Squad

Before the clash between these two groups, two set of protesters were carrying out their demonstrations separately. While one group wanted Shakib, 37, to get a chance to play a farewell Test, the other group did not want him in the side mainly because of them being politically opposed to Shakib.

Notably, Shakib was picked in Bangladesh squad for the first Test against South Africa but Mirpur Chhatra Janata, a student body, sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal from the squad. Not much later, Shakib confirmed that he would not be travelling to Bangladesh for this Test. The BCB also withdrew Shakib from the squad amid the political tension in the country with the country's sports adviser Asif Bhuiyan confirming that has told Shakib not to travel to Bangladesh.

It is significant to note that Shakib lives in New York and has not stepped foot on Bangladesh soil since May.