BCB Unable to Provide Shakib Personal Security for Final Test Amid Political Turmoil

BCB President Faruque Ahmed declared the board cannot provide Shakib Al Hasan with personal security for his final Test in Dhaka against South Africa, amid political turmoil and ongoing uncertainty about the series due to security concerns. Shakib has expressed a desire to retire from Test cricket if the series proceeds.

BCB President Faruque Ahmed declared that the board cannot provide Shakib Al Hasan with the personal security he requested for his final Test in Dhaka against South Africa this October. Shakib has expressed a desire to retire from Test cricket on home soil if the series goes ahead.

The Proteas series remains tentative as Cricket South Africa has yet to give security clearance following a venue inspection earlier this week. The uncertainty stems from unrest in Bangladesh due to massive student protests in July and August leading to many deaths. Consequently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 and fled the country.

Shakib was listed among 147 individuals in a Dhaka murder case last month, having joined the Awami League-led government in January. He sought security assurance from BCB during a press conference before the second Test against India in Kanpur. Faruque responded that the BCB is not a security agency and cannot provide individual security, stating that this responsibility rests with the government.

"Shakib's security is not in the board's hands. The board can't provide individual security. His safety must be ensured by the highest level of government," Faruque stated, quoted by ESPNcricinfo. He added, "The BCB is not like the police or RAB (Rapid Action Battalion). We haven't consulted the government about him. Since it is a sub-judice matter, we can't do much about it."

Faruque mentioned he did not attempt to dissuade Shakib from retirement, respecting his decision. "Playing his last Test at home would be special. Shakib is in a difficult phase. I respect his decision to retire now," he stated. Shahriar Nafees of the BCB assured that Shakib wouldn't face biased harassment upon returning to Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government, in which he was a member.

(With inputs from agencies.)