Shakib Al Hasan has apologized for his silence during the civilian protest against the Bangladesh government. It hints that he looks to play his farewell test match at home against South Africa.
Shakib Al Hasan made his retirement announcement ahead of the second test against India and stated that he desired to play his farewell test against South Africa in his hometown.
He targets the opening test starting on October 21 in Mirpur and then flies off to the USA where he is settled with his wife and three children.
“Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people’s uprising,” said Shakib.
“While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, to those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise.
“If I were in your place, I too might have been upset,” wrote the all-rounder. Shakib has been accused of being involved in the murder of a student during the unrest. Bangladesh Cricket Board’s director Farquee Ahmed has dismissed the request saying that BCB is not a security agent and could not guarantee any cover for him.
But Sports advisor Asif Mahmud has said that he could provide the security for the all-rounder.
“I was briefly the member of parliament from the Magura-1 constituency. My political involvement was primarily driven by my desire to contribute to the development of my hometown Magura.
“As you know, it is difficult to directly impact the development of one’s area without a specific role in Bangladesh.
“My wish to develop this area is what motivated me to become an MP. However, at the end of the day, my primary identity is as a cricketer for Bangladesh. No matter where I have been or in what position, I have always carried cricket in my heart.”
“You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye to all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better,” said the all-rounder.
“I want to meet the eyes of those who cheered in joy when I played well and whose eyes welled up with tears when I did not. I believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, starts not me, but all of you.”
The test series of the Bangladesh South Africa test tour will begin in the second half of October with the first test to begin on October 21 at Sher-e-Bangla.
