Shakib Al Hasan's future hangs in balance as BCB President addresses security issues

Shakib Al Hasan's future in Test cricket has become uncertain due to the current political situation in Bangladesh. The star all-rounder may play his last red-ball game against India, but recent developments could change his plans.

On September 26, a four-hour meeting was held, followed by a press conference by the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Faruque Ahmed. He announced that the board could not guarantee that Shakib would be able to retire at home, as they are unable to provide the necessary security for him.

"We don't have it (Shakib's security) in our hand. The security needs to come from the government and he will have to take his own decision. We cannot say anything about his security. We don't have the ability to provide security to any individual," Faruque said.

"I am neither an agency nor police or the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The security issue needs to be cleared by the government because from the board we cannot say anything," he added.

"Shakib is going through a tough time personally so we cannot say much from our side. Like him even I think if he can play his last Test from here, there cannot be anything better than that but his security issues need to be assured by the higher authorities. He is going through a tough time. He felt this is the right time for him to play his last Test and we have showed respect to his decision," he concluded.

Shakib is facing personal challenges as he has been named as an accused in a murder case amid the political unrest in the country. He was previously involved with the former government, which has added to his difficulties. While the BCB had initially assured him that he would not face issues upon returning to Bangladesh, the current situation has changed.

Now, his participation in the upcoming Test series against South Africa depends on security clearance from the government and law enforcement agencies. Despite these troubles, the BCB has stated that Shakib will continue to play for the national team until he is proven guilty in the murder case.