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Ahead of the Kanpur Test, Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from international T20s and Tests. The star all-rounder had stated during his retirement announcement that if security was assured, he would return to the country and play his farewell Test match against South Africa in Mirpur.

However, this immediate wish had drawn somewhat negative remarks from BCB president Faruque Ahmed and sports advisor Asif Mahmud.

In a matter of days, both of them had changed their stance, which suggests that Shakib may get the green light to play in the South Africa series. Amid this situation, Bangladesh former captain clarified his position through a statement on social media platform Facebook.

He also expressed regret for his silence during historic student protests against his political party Awami League, explained about his Member of Parliament position.

For the convenience of Cricfrenzy readers, Shakib Al Hasan's entire statement is presented below:

“Assalamu Alaikum, with utmost respect for the love of every person in my country,

Your prayers and love have made me Shakib Al Hasan today, recognized globally.

At the outset, I respectfully remember those student martyrs who led the anti-discrimination student movement and were martyred or injured in the uprising of students and the public. From the deepest part of my heart, I extend my respect and condolences to them and their families. Even though the loss of a family member can never truly be compensated, losing a child or a brother is an irreplaceable sorrow.

To those who were hurt or saddened by my absence during this critical time, I deeply respect your feelings, and for that, I am sincerely sorry. If I was in your place, I might have felt the same way.

I served as a Member of Parliament for Magura-1 for a very brief time. My involvement in politics was primarily to contribute to the development of my birthplace, Magura. As you know, in Bangladesh's context, without a specific role, it is somewhat difficult to directly contribute to the development of one's area. This desire to work for my area made me interested in becoming a Member of Parliament. However, at the end of the day, my identity is I’m a cricketer from Bangladesh. Wherever I have been, I have always carried cricket in my heart.

Carrying cricket in my heart has driven me to the honor of becoming the world’s top all-rounder – but it was you who guided me on that path. Your love and support made me the Shakib Al Hasan I am today. When I picked up my bat for the country, you all picked it up with me. Your cheers from the stands and your support motivated me to play better. The crowds that gathered at tea stalls in front of televisions on match days gave me strength.

When I won, all of you won. When I lost, you all lost with me! As you know, I will soon be playing my last match. From the beginning of my cricket career to becoming the Shakib Al Hasan of today, it has been driven by you. This entire journey of cricket is a story written by your hands! That’s why, in my last match, in the final chapter of this story, I want you all by my side.

I want to bid farewell with all of you. At my farewell, I want to hold the hands that clapped and inspired me to play better. At my farewell, I want to meet the eyes that lit up with joy when I played well, and the eyes that filled with tears when I did not.

I hope, not just hope but believe – that at this farewell, you will all be with me. Together, we will close this story, a story where the hero is not me, but all of you!”