Shakib Al Hasan Breaks Silence

Shakib Al Hasan has publicly apologised for remaining silent during the student-led protests in Bangladesh that erupted in July, resulting in hundreds of casualties. This marks the first time Shakib has addressed the movement, which led to the fall of the long-standing Awami League government on August 5, a government in which he served as a Member of Parliament (MP).

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Shakib expressed deep remorse for not speaking out during this critical time. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the students, many of whom lost their lives or were injured during the protests. "First, I offer my respect to all the students who made sacrifices during the anti-discrimination movement. To those who were martyred or hurt, I extend my deepest condolences," Shakib wrote. He admitted that his silence may have hurt many, and he offered his sincere apology to those affected by his lack of response. Shakib explained that if he were in their position, he would likely have felt the same frustration.

During the protests in July, Shakib was competing in the Global T20 Canada league, and during one of the matches in early August, he clashed with a fan who questioned his silence on the situation back home. Despite his significant role as a cricket legend in Bangladesh, his decision not to speak out during the unrest caused disappointment among many fans. Adding to the controversy, Shakib was named in a murder case related to the protests, alongside 146 other Awami League leaders, while playing the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Reflecting on his career and contributions, Shakib stated that he wants to bid farewell to cricket with his supporters by his side. "At the time of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause pushed me to perform better. I want to look into the eyes of those who celebrated my successes and whose tears fell when I did not perform well."

On September 26, Shakib, who currently lives in the USA with his family, announced his retirement from Test cricket. He expressed a desire to play his final Test match in Dhaka against South Africa, scheduled for October 21, if his safety in and out of Bangladesh could be assured. Shakib had not been in Bangladesh since the T20 World Cup in June, and had joined the Test squad directly in Pakistan and India. While Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed said they couldn't guarantee his security, there were positive indications from the government. Sports adviser Asif Mahmud stated that the government would provide Shakib with protection, though he needed to clarify his political position to his fans.

In his lengthy Facebook post, Shakib explained his brief foray into politics, stating that his decision to join the Awami League and win the election in the Magura-1 constituency was motivated by a desire to contribute to the development of his hometown. "Becoming an MP was my way of helping Magura’s development," he said, acknowledging that without a formal role, making a significant impact is challenging. However, he emphasised that his primary identity has always been as a cricketer representing Bangladesh.

Shakib concluded his post by paying tribute to his fans, acknowledging that they had always been a source of motivation throughout his career. He expressed hope that his supporters would be with him when he played his final match, allowing them to collectively close the chapter on his illustrious career. "This farewell is not just my story, but the story of all of you," he wrote.