Dhaka, August 2024 – Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers and a recently ousted lawmaker made a dramatic return to the field on Wednesday, just weeks after mass anti-government protests toppled his party from power.
Cleared by the country’s newly installed interim government, Shakib is set to face Pakistan in a crucial two-match Test series. His return to cricket comes at a time when Bangladesh is reeling from the political turmoil that saw the resignation and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month.
37-year-old former Member of Parliament had been a key figure in Awami League, the ruling party that was swept from power following widespread demonstrations and violent clashes. Shakib, who secured his parliamentary seat in an uncontested election in January, has remained notably silent on the crisis that has gripped the nation, even as his party crumbled under the pressure of public dissent.
Criticism has been directed at Shakib by various quarters, including former Bangladesh Cricket Board member Rafiqul Islam, who accused him of neglecting his moral responsibility during protests. “When students were being killed, he never protested. Many of the students considered him an icon. He should have come home first and given an explanation why he was silent,” Rafiqul Islam told AFP.
Despite controversy surrounding his political affiliations, Shakib’s cricketing prowess remains undisputed. With 4,505 runs and 237 wickets in 67 Test matches, he is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s greatest sportsmen. His return to the national team is seen as a crucial boost ahead of the Pakistan series, which many hope will offer a brief respite from ongoing unrest.
the new interim government, led by a coalition of opposition parties and student leaders, has stressed the importance of merit in sports team selection. Asif Mahmud, newly appointed sports minister, and former student leader, stated, “Team should be formed on merit. Politics should not interfere with the performance of our national teams.”
Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, expressed confidence that political turbulence would not affect Shakib’s performance. “He has played this game for so long, so he knows his role and how to prepare himself. I am not thinking about his political career – we all treat him as a cricketer,” Najmul said during a pre-match press conference.
Shakib’s return to the team has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans are eager to see his hero back in action, or, especially those involved in protests, remain skeptical of his loyalties. During his recent participation in the Global T20 League in Canada, Bangladeshis in the diaspora also chanted slogans against him, reflecting deep divisions within the country.
political crisis in Bangladesh, which began with protests against a controversial job quota law, quickly escalated into a nationwide movement against Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. unrest culminated in the dissolution of the Awami League and the ousting of its members from parliament. the country remains tense as the new interim government attempts to restore order and prepare for fresh elections.
As Bangladesh’s cricket team prepares to take on Pakistan, the question remains: Can Shakib Al Hasan distance himself from the political storm and focus on a game that made him a national icon? upcoming Test series may very well decide not only the outcome on the field but also the future of one of Bangladesh’s most enigmatic figures.
