NEW DELHI: After the conclusion of the second Test match in Kanpur, star India batter Virat Kohli presented his cricket bat to Shakib Al Hasan, the former captain of Bangladesh, as a token of appreciation for his outstanding Test career.
Shakib has declared that if given the chance, the forthcoming series against South Africa will mark his final appearance on home soil. In the event that he is not selected, the series against India will serve as his farewell series.
“I am available for the South Africa series, but since there’s a lot happening back home, naturally, not everything depends on me.I have discussed my plans for Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series,” Shakib said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against India in Kanpur.
“I have told [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there’s a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and feel safe, at the same time that I can leave the country without a hitch. I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh. My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it,” he added.
As of now, the Proteas series in October remains uncertain as Cricket South Africa awaits security clearance following an inspection of the venue earlier this week, according to ESPNcricinfo.
This uncertainty follows Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on August 5, after fleeing the country amid violent student-led protests.
During this period, Shakib Al Hasan was participating in the Global T20 League in Canada. After the tournament, he traveled to Pakistan for a two-match Test series, where Bangladesh secured a historic victory. Shakib then headed to India for their ongoing tour.
In the match, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant half-century in the second innings led the hosts to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Green Park on Tuesday.
