Coach Salahuddin unhappy with Shakib’s situation in Bangladesh

|| CF DESK ||

Shakib Al Hasan had expressed his desire to play his final Test in Dhaka against South Africa and the star all-rounder also received permission to return to Bangladesh. He was even included in the Test squad for his farewell match. Shakib was en route to Bangladesh to play his final Test but in a dramatic turn of events, the situation changed at the last moment.

Student protests erupted in Mirpur, demanding that Shakib be banned from playing for Bangladesh. The protesters even submitted a memorandum to BCB President Faruque Ahmed. They warned the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of potential unrest if Shakib were allowed to play, stating that BCB would be held responsible for any disorder. In light of these protests, a sports advisor has advised Shakib not to return to the country, citing safety concerns.

Shakib’s coach Mohammad Salahuddin expressed his frustration over the all-rounder’s current situation Bangladesh. Salahuddin highlighted Shakib's contributions to Bangladesh over more than 15 years, both on and off the field. He questioned the critics, asking if they knew about Shakib’s efforts to help others outside cricket, such as providing food and medical treatment for the needy.

In a Facebook post, Salahuddin wrote, "I've never felt so hurt by my country or its people. But today, I do. Don’t we all make mistakes? If someone shows remorse, shouldn't we give them another chance? It seems like we are losing our compassion as humans. Do you know how many people Shakib has helped? He’s supported countless individuals without seeking anything in return,"

The coach also pointed out the sacrifices made by Shakib, Tamim Iqbal, and Mashrafe Mortaza. He reminded everyone of Mashrafe's multiple knee surgeries, Tamim batting with a broken hand in the 2018 Asia Cup, and Shakib bowling with a fractured finger. Salahuddin emphasized that these players have never harmed anyone and are not criminals.

"They're being treated as enemies just because they didn’t speak out. When Mashrafe fought for the country after five surgeries, did you notice? When Tamim batted with one hand, or when Shakib bowled with a fractured finger, who were they doing it for? They have harmed no one and are certainly not murderers," Salahuddin wrote.

With the current unrest, Shakib’s return to the country and his farewell from cricket appear uncertain.

The coach, visibly saddened, concluded, "I am deeply hurt that I won’t get to see them bid farewell on the field. Forgive others, and Allah will forgive us. We are all guilty to some extent, and by showing respect to others, you too will be respected."