New Delhi, India

Ahead of the second and final Test versus India, in Kanpur, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan stated that 'this could be my last Test series' despite him willing to play his farewell match versus South Africa on home soil, in Oct. The SA tour isn't final yet given the unrest in Bangladesh. But for Shakib, he is under severe pressure of playing on home ground following him being accused of murder charges.

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During the political unrest in Bangladesh in July-Aug, hundreds of people were killed during the anti-government protests. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Aug 5. Notably, Shakib was a member of parliament of the Awami League-led government, against whom the protests were being carried out.

As the government fell early last month, Shakib was subsequently one among 147 persons named in a murder case related to the protests. Since then, the all-rounder has not been in Bangladesh due to cricket commitments. Thus, if SA comes to Bangladesh, Shakib isn't sure of his security. If the tour happens and he plays, he is willing to retire after the first Test.

On Shakib's condition, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Faruque Ahmed claimed that providing security to an individual isn't in board's hands.

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Also read: 'They are unbeatable,' says Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan about India ahead of second Test

'The board can't provide an individual with personal security'

"Shakib's security is not in the board's hand," Faruque told reporters at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. 

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"The board can't provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that. His security has to come from the highest level of the government. BCB is not a security agency like the police or RAB (Rapid Action Battalion). We haven't spoken to anyone [in the government] about him. Since his case is a sub-judice matter, so we can't really do much about it," he further opined.

Meanwhile, Shakib said, ahead of the Kanpur Test which kicked off on Friday morning (Sep 27), "I am available for the South Africa series but since there's a lot happening back home, naturally not everything depends on me. I have discussed my plans about Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series."

"I have told [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there's a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and feel safe, at the same time that I can leave the country without a hitch," the 37-year-old added.

Shakib has retired from T20Is (ending with 2,551 runs at a strike rate of 121.18 along with 149 wickets in 120 games) and is expected to announce his retirement from ODIs following the 2025 Champions Trophy. In Tests, he has played 70 games, scoring 4,600 runs along with claiming 242 scalps.

South Africa will play two Tests in Bangladesh, in Dhaka and Chattogram respectively, in late Oct. However, a final confirmation on the tour is awaited.