A group of fans advocating for Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to play in a farewell Test against South Africa were attacked by rival protesters wielding sticks and bamboo on Sunday, police reported.
Shakib, 37, who is also a former member of parliament for the Awami League under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, has faced controversy since the prime minister’s 15-year rule ended in August following her flight to India amid deadly protests. Shakib has been absent from Bangladesh since the unrest began in July, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) assured him of safety upon his return.
Although scheduled to play his final Test against South Africa in Dhaka on Monday, Shakib has yet to return, citing public anger over his silence during the protests. He expressed regret for not addressing the situation earlier but encouraged his supporters to attend the match.
Violence erupted outside the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium when anti-Shakib protesters clashed with his fans. “Army personnel quickly arrived and brought the situation under control,” said a police official.
Widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, Shakib’s political ties add complexity to his farewell. He announced his retirement from Test cricket in September, capping an illustrious career with 71 Test matches, 247 One-Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 Internationals, accumulating 14,730 runs and 712 wickets.
