Shakib Al Hasan’s much-anticipated return to Bangladesh and his final Test match now faces uncertainty due to recent protests against him. 

Initially scheduled to arrive home on Thursday night, Shakib's plans were disrupted when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) informed him not to board the flight from Dubai to Dhaka without further approval, citing safety concerns.

This follows a tense atmosphere in Mirpur, where various slogans were raised against Shakib, and protesters even burned his effigy at Dhaka University. 

While Shakib had hoped to retire from international Test cricket on home soil with the upcoming Mirpur Test against South Africa, fresh complications arose late Wednesday, causing him to delay his return.

The South African cricket team has already arrived in Dhaka for the match, and Bangladesh's newly appointed head coach, Phil Simmons, has joined the squad. 

Shakib, who had received clearance from the interim government to travel back, had his plans to board a flight to Bangladesh paused as a result of this new uncertainty.

Shakib, who has expressed his desire to shift focus to ODI cricket, sees the Mirpur Test as his last opportunity to bid farewell to his home fans, as no home matches are scheduled before the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

Despite the recent protests, BCB officials remain optimistic that Shakib will be able to play in the Test match, allowing him to conclude his illustrious Test career on home soil.

BDST: 1037 HRS, OCT 17, 2024
SMS