Shakib Al Hasan recently posted an emotional message on his Facebook page, expressing his desire to play his final Test at home and seeking support from his fans. However, this begs the question: why did he feel the need to ask something that is almost guaranteed to be enjoyed by Bangladesh’s cricket-loving public? Shakib’s call for support appears to stem from his own controversial actions.

During the student-led anti-discrimination movement in July and August, several Bangladeshi cricketers expressed concern, calling for an end to the violence. But Shakib Al Hasan remained silent. This silence attracted strong criticism at the time, especially since Shakib was elected an MP in January under the ruling Awami League banner.

Now, more than two months after the protests, Shakib has finally broken his silence. In the message, he expressed his desire to play his final Test at home against South Africa. But being named in a murder case, Shakib sought security assurances so that he could play safely and leave the country afterwards. However, statements by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed and sports advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan had cast doubt on Shakib’s farewell on home soil.

The BCB president pointed out that they cannot guarantee Shakib’s individual safety. Days later, the sports advisor dismissed Shakib’s concerns about his safety as unreasonable, citing public resentment against him for his role as a member of the government. He also called on Shakib to clarify his political position. Despite this, Asif Mahmud later assured that Shakib would enjoy the highest level of security in the country.

Shortly after, Shakib apologized and clarified his political position in a message, stating: “I express my utmost respect for the love of every person in my country. Your prayers and affection helped me become the Shakib Al Hasan who is now respected around the world. First of all, I pay tribute to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the movement against discrimination and were martyred or injured during the popular uprising.

Unsurprisingly, this message received mixed reactions. Many criticize Shakib’s timing. During the protests, the public expected him to speak out, but he remained silent. Today, after the end of the movement, Shakib’s position seems to serve his own interests. He also apologized for his silence, writing: “I extend to them and their families my deepest respect and sincerest condolences. While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or sibling. For those of you who have been hurt by my silence during this critical time, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologize. If I were in your place, I too might have been upset.

The negative reactions to Shakib’s post stem largely from his inaction during the protests. At the time, he went so far as to question a fan’s criticism of his silence, asking: “What have you done for the country?” Moreover, as the violence intensified, Shakib was busy enjoying his vacation with his family and his wife was sharing these moments on social media. His behavior during the national crisis has left many people deeply disappointed. Now, with a change in tone, Shakib’s sudden embrace of the public raises doubts: is he once again using fans’ emotions for his own gain?

This is not the first time Shakib has contradicted himself. He seems quite adept at doing it. A good example is the controversy surrounding Tamim Iqbal ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Shakib’s feud with Tamim came to a head and played a role in Tamim’s resignation from his role as Bangladesh’s ODI captain, citing injury as the reason. Ultimately, Tamim was left out of the World Cup squad.

Before the World Cup, Shakib had said: “Playing while injured is like cheating the country. I believe no one should play unless they are fully fit.” At first glance, his comment seems reasonable. But when Shakib himself played with an injury, it undermined his own words. Shakib participated in the World Cup despite having vision problems. He had been suffering from this problem for a year and sought treatment from specialists in India and Bangladesh.

His vision problems had noticeably affected his batting and despite his impairment he continued to play. In February 2024, Shakib said he had no vision problem, although he played against Pakistan and India while battling the same problem. So, does this mean Shakib misled the country, according to his own logic?

Shakib had also previously said that he would not enter politics. However, he did not keep this promise. On September 14, 2013, Shakib wrote in a Facebook post: “I am not joining politics and I have no plans to enter politics in my life. »

At that time, Shakib had attended a political event at the request of BCB Chairman Nazmul Hassan Papon. This sparked rumors that he would enter politics. To clarify his position, Shakib posted this status. However, over a decade later, Shakib changed his stance and entered politics, eventually being elected as an MP.

Shakib is considered Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, with his name linked to many of the country’s proudest cricketing moments. Fans will no doubt want his farewell to be as grand as his accomplishments. However, his failure to translate his words into action became a dark chapter in his career, one that tarnished an otherwise legendary status. And Shakib Al Hasan will have to live with that, only if he cares.