Shakib's Security is Not in the Board's Hand: BCB Chief
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has clarified that the board cannot provide personal security assurances to veteran cricketer Shakib Al Hasan. This statement comes amid Shakib's announcement of his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, contingent on receiving a 'secure passage' to leave the country.
Retirement Announcement and Security Concerns
On the eve of the second Test against India, Shakib Al Hasan dropped a bombshell by announcing his retirement from Test and T20I cricket. He expressed his desire to play his final Test match in October against South Africa at home in Mirpur, but only if he is given security assurances to ensure his safety upon returning to Bangladesh.
Shakib, who has been named in a murder case in Dhaka and is currently facing legal challenges, emphasized the need for a secure environment to play and leave the country without any issues. "I want to be able to go and play, and feel safe. When I need to go abroad, I want to be able to do so without any issues. The board is looking into it. Those involved are assessing the situation. They will probably make a decision, based on which I can return to the country and at least retire from the Test format smoothly," Shakib stated.
BCB's Stance on Security
BCB President Faruque Ahmed has been clear in his stance, stating that the board does not have the capacity to provide personal security to Shakib or any individual. "Shakib's security is not in the board's hand. The board can't provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that," Ahmed said.
Ahmed reiterated that the BCB is a sports governing body and does not have the powers to give any sort of security assurances. "Look, we are a sports governing body and we don’t have the power to give any sort of security assurances to anyone. At the most, we can request the government to consider the matter, but we can’t really promise anything," he added.
Government Involvement
The BCB has made it clear that any security assurances would have to come from the highest levels of government. "If Shakib can play his last Test here, I believe, like him, there couldn't be a better end. The issue of security must come from the higher levels of government. The BCB is not an agency like the police or RAB. Security matters must come from the government," Faruque Ahmed explained.
Despite the caretaker government's clarification that Shakib would not be 'harassed' upon his return, the murder case against him remains sub-judice, and the BCB cannot intervene in this legal matter.
Future Plans
Shakib has conveyed to the current regime that he plans to play only one Test match in Bangladesh and then move to the US to be with his family. However, with the BCB distancing itself from the issue of his security, the Kanpur Test against India could potentially be Shakib’s last outing in red-ball cricket.
In conclusion, while the BCB respects Shakib's decision to retire and wishes him to play his final Test at home, the issue of his personal security remains beyond the board's control and must be addressed by the government. As Shakib navigates this critical phase of his career, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that allows him to retire on his own terms.