Dhaka: A clash erupted on Sunday between supporters of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and rival protesters outside the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, as tensions escalated over his return for a farewell Test against South Africa.
Shakib Al Hasan, 37, has not returned to Bangladesh since July. The cricketer’s silence during the month of protest and unrest against the governing party – the Awami League – he represented in parliament has drawn public ire over his decision to stay away from the country. The party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saw her 15-year rule come to an end after violent demonstrations were held demanding reforms in August.
Supporters had gathered for Shakib Al Hasan last Test match on Sunday but when the protests outside the stadium by the opposing groups armed with sticks and bamboo began hitting his supporters, violence erupted.
The police quickly acted, and the army was deployed to take control of the situation. A police official confirmed, “Army personnel quickly came and brought the situation under control.” Despite all the unrest, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier assured Shakib that he would not face harassment upon his return.
Shakib, one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, ruefully added, “Perhaps I should have made my voice stronger earlier. But I really wanted the match to go ahead.” Politics continues to dominate his cricketing for the country in transition under an interim government.
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