A clash erupted between supporters and opponents of Shakib Al Hasan outside the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday, just a day before Bangladesh's first Test against South Africa. 

A group known as "Shakibians," who are in favor of Shakib's return to the Test squad, gathered to protest his exclusion and demanded his reinstatement. However, another group opposing Shakib, who are politically against him due to his ties with the former Awami League government, confronted them. 

The "Shakibians" were chased away by the opposing group in the presence of security forces. Despite the confrontation, no injuries were reported. Local media outlet Prothom Alo stated that one person was detained by security forces. The South African team, meanwhile, was training inside the stadium while the clash unfolded.

Before this incident, both pro- and anti-Shakib groups had been protesting separately. Supporters of Shakib have been pushing for him to play a farewell Test series, while opponents are critical of his political affiliations with the Awami League, the party that was removed from power in August.

Shakib was originally named in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming Test series, but shortly after, a student group called Mirpur Chhatra Janata sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal. Following this, Shakib informed ESPNcricinfo that he would not be traveling to Bangladesh, and the BCB withdrew him from the squad due to security concerns.

Shakib’s supporters have been protesting since Friday, demanding his return to the Test squad, but their demonstrations have been contained by security forces.

Shakib, known for playing in international leagues, has primarily been based in New York City and has not been in Bangladesh since May. During the political protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, Shakib was in Canada participating in Global T20 Canada. Since then, he has played in various leagues around the world, including Test cricket in Pakistan and India, and a stint in the County Championship with Somerset.