Fans Of Shakib Al Hasan Attacked During Protest In Dhaka Amid BAN vs SA 1st Test
Shakib Al Hasan fans attacked (Source: @ESPNcricinfo/x.com and @AJEnglish/x.com)
In a shocking turn of events, a group of people attacked fans of Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan during a protest outside the Mirpur cricket stadium in Dhaka on Sunday (October 20). The protest, which had been ongoing for several days, was held in response to Shakib's ban from playing his farewell Test match against South Africa in Bangladesh.
Despite the presence of tight security, the protest turned violent when the attackers, armed with sticks, assaulted Shakib’s supporters.
Shakib Al Hasan Fans Attacked Brutally During Protest
According to the reports of Gulf News, the situation escalated quickly as the group attacked the peaceful protestors without warning. The protestors had gathered to express their frustration over Shakib's inability to participate in his final Test match on home soil.
The incident unfolded despite the heavy presence of security forces stationed to ensure the safety of the protesters. The swift action of the army and law enforcement prevented further escalation, and order was restored quickly.
Will Shakib Al Hasan Participation In The 2nd Test Vs SA?
Shakib Al Hasan had announced his plans to retire from international cricket after the Test series against South Africa. The BCB responded positively to his request, including him on the squad for the series. However, just before he returned to Bangladesh, the government advised him to stay away due to security risks, a decision that disappointed fans.
Shakib’s supporters have been protesting outside the Mirpur stadium ever since the news broke, demanding that the cricket legend be allowed to play his farewell match in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh government’s decision to prevent Shakib from entering the country has sparked a nationwide debate, with many calling for a reconsideration. Fans argue that the cricket icon should be allowed to retire on his terms, while officials remain cautious due to security threats.
As the situation remains volatile, authorities are expected to heighten security around the stadium in the coming days. No official statement has been made yet by Shakib Al Hasan or the BCB regarding the attack or Shakib’s future participation in the Test series.
For now, Shakib’s fans continue to rally behind their cricket hero, hoping for a resolution that allows him to bid farewell to international cricket in front of his home crowd.