Shakib Al Hasan, star Bangladesh all-rounder, is unlikely to return home amid protests against him in Dhaka. It is pertinent to note that Shakib stays with his family in the United States of America (USA). While Shakib recently announced his retirement from the T20I format, the second Test against India in Kanpur could well have been his last with him unlikely to feature in the Test match against South Africa in Dhaka.
Shakib repotedly sent a text message to cricket portal ESPNCricinfo where he confirmed that he will not be returning to Bangladesh, the country where he is accused of murder.
"I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home," Shakib wrote in the text.
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I Have Advised Shakib Not To Come: Sports Adviser Of Bangladesh
Notably, Shakib was a Member Of Parliament under the Awami League-led government. Amid the nationwide protests, the party however was ousted from power. After the government's fall, several politicians of the Awami league have either been arrested or banned from leaving the country.
Asif Mahmud, the current Youth and Sports adviser in Bangladesh, has also reportedly asked Shakib not to come to Bangladesh.
"I have advised Shakib not to come [to Bangladesh] to avoid any untoward circumstances. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country's image," he told AFP.
Bangladesh have a packed cricket schedule ahead with the Bangla Tigers set to take on Proteas in a home Test series beginning on October 21. Bangladesh will lock horns against Afghanistan and West Indies before heading into the ICC Champions Trophy.