Protests in Dhaka Put Shakib’s Final Test in Doubt Protests in Dhaka Put Shakib’s Final Test in Doubt
Protests in Dhaka Put Shakib’s Final Test in Doubt

October 21, 2024

Protests in Dhaka Put Shakib’s Final Test in Doubt

“I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” he told ESPNcricinfo

Shakib Al Hasan has indicated that he is unlikely to travel to Dhaka for the upcoming first Test against South Africa due to protests against him in the city. Although he was named in Bangladesh’s squad for the match, which was set to be his final Test appearance, the situation may prevent him from participating.

“I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home,” Shakib told ESPNcricinfo via WhatsApp.

Shakib Al Hasan had earlier raised concerns about his safety if he returned to Bangladesh, as several Awami League leaders have been arrested since August 5, when the government effectively stepped down after 15 years in power. Shakib, a member of parliament from his hometown Magura, was also named in an FIR related to an alleged murder during the unrest.

Despite this, Shakib remains part of Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test, according to chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, who mentioned that they haven’t received any new instructions from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). When announcing the squad, selector Hannan Sarkar explained that they included Shakib after receiving approval from the authorities.

Read More: Noman Ali’s Eight Wickets Secure Pakistan’s First Home Test Win Since 2021

Shakib’s Return to Bangladesh in Question Amid Protests and Safety Concerns

“We haven’t received any further instructions from the BCB or the cricket operations committee. It is a paused status at the moment. He is in transit in Dubai,” Ashraf said.

Although Shakib Al Hasan was reportedly assured safe passage into Bangladesh, protests began on Wednesday evening, led by a group calling themselves “Mirpur Chhatro Janata,” who informed the BCB that they would protest his presence at the stadium. As a result, Shakib was asked to remain in Dubai, where he was transiting from New York. Despite having a flight scheduled for Thursday evening, it is unlikely that Shakib will travel to Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Azad Majumder said that the decision is up to Shakib to return to the country. “Shakib can return to Bangladesh anytime. It’s his decision whether he will arrive here or not,” Majumder told ESPNcricinfo.

According to AFP, Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud stated that he had advised Shakib Al Hasan not to return to Bangladesh in order to “avoid any unwanted situations.”

“I have advised Shakib not to come [to Bangladesh] to avoid any untoward circumstances. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country’s image,” Asif said.

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Hemang Badani Named New Head Coach of Delhi Capitals

Former India batter Hemang Badani has been appointed as the new head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025, replacing Ricky Ponting, who parted ways with the franchise after seven seasons. Alongside Badani, former India batter Venugopal Rao will take over as the new director of cricket, a role previously held by Sourav Ganguly. These changes are part of the Delhi Capitals’ decision to revamp their coaching staff and management structure as the franchise continues its quest for its first IPL title. Additionally, DC has chosen not to renew the contract of Pravin Amre, who had served as assistant coach and talent scout since 2014.

“With the mega auction around the corner, my job, in collaboration with the rest of our coaching staff, is cut out,” Badani said in a franchise release. “I can’t wait to get started.”

ESPNcricinfo has reported that Delhi Capitals will continue their recruitment efforts to further strengthen their coaching team, with plans to hire more assistant coaches and a mentor. As part of a larger restructuring, the franchise’s co-owners, GMR Group and JSW Sports, will rotate operational leadership roles between the IPL and WPL every two years. For the next two IPL seasons, GMR Group will oversee the men’s team, while JSW Sports will manage the women’s team for 2025 and 2026. Sourav Ganguly will transition to the role of director of cricket for the WPL for the next two years, before returning to the IPL in 2027 when JSW Sports resumes control. “key decisions like auctions, captaincy, player release and retentions of both teams will be made by the Delhi Capitals’ board, and will be decided mutually by senior leadership of both groups.”

Why Hemang Badani?

Hemang Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India, has established himself as a successful coach in domestic T20 cricket, despite his relatively brief international career. After his early involvement with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he became the head coach of Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), leading them to four titles (one shared). During his time with the team, Badani was instrumental in the development of players like R Sai Kishore, the current Tamil Nadu captain.

His success in TNPL led to a role with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2022. Badani has also coached internationally, guiding Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win the inaugural SA20 title in 2023 and leading Jaffna Kings to a Lanka Premier League championship. Additionally, he coached the Dubai Capitals, owned by GMR Group, to a runner-up finish in the ILT20 in January.

Venugopal Rao, who played 16 ODIs for India between 2005 and 2006, was part of the Deccan Chargers’ IPL-winning squad in 2009. He has also served as a mentor and later as director of cricket for the Dubai Capitals.

If you enjoy IPL and T20 cricket, you can also explore opportunities for earning through T20 betting!


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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.