The national squad of Bangladesh will embark on a two-match Test series against Pakistan, with the first match set to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21, amidst current political tensions in the country. There are concerns with Shakib Al Hasan, the former captain of Bangladesh, participating in the upcoming Test series. Shakib had earlier expressed interest in being involved in the Pakistani assignment.
The all-rounder was in the United States last month for the Major League Cricket season and is presently participating in Global T20 Canada. Once BCB gave him a (No-Objection Certificate) NOC till August 12, he was expected to return to Bangladesh to prepare for the next tour. Nevertheless, it appears that his meeting was called off owing to instability in Bangladesh, and Shakib’s political party, the Awami League administration, collapsed after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the nation.
“Prior until now, the only concern was whether Shakib could enter Bangladesh and proceed to Pakistan. He has been playing cricket, but in a format that requires him to score runs rapidly. And while he is capable of playing longer games, it is unclear if he can withstand the physical demands of Test cricket, according to a BCB official cited by The Daily Star.
Right now, he just plays cricket. Two questions remain: will he be selected for the tour, and is he available for the series right now? These two considerations will guide our operations,” stated Shahriar Nafees, the Cricket Operation In-Charge.
In Bangladesh, Shakib’s office was demolished.
In addition, there exists a deep-seated aversion to the prominent personalities connected to Bangladesh’s administration.
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The demonstrators set fire to and burned Shakib’s office, a member of parliament. Furthermore, the miscreants also set Mashrafe Mortaza’s house on fire, the former captain of Bangladesh.