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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed has distanced himself from providing security to Shakib Al Hasan if he plays his final Test on home soil. Ahmed asserted that the security measures must come from the higher government authorities.
The 37-year-old was named in a murder case among 147 individuals by Adabor police station during the recent anti-government protests in the country. Despite the accusation, the BCB allowed the southpaw to play for the country and assured he would not face any harassment.
Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday, Ahmed said the board doesn't have the ability to provide security to any individual and that the government must take responsibility. As quoted by Cricbuzz, he said:
"Shakib's security is not in the board's hand. 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). The security issue needs to be cleared by the government because from the board we cannot say anything."
On Thursday, the experienced all-rounder had announced his T20I retirement and expressed his wish to play his final Test during the home series against South Africa in October. Nevertheless, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is yet to provide the security clearance for the tour.
"Shakib is going through a tough time" - Faruque Ahmed
Ahmed added that they respect the 37-year-old's wish to play his final Test at home, given the tough time he is going through.
"Shakib is going through a tough time personally so we cannot say much from our side. Like him even I think if he can play his last Test from here, there cannot be anything better than that but his security issues need to be assured by the higher authorities. He is going through a tough time. He felt this is the right time for him to play his last Test and we have showed respect to his decision."
The former captain will be in action during the second Test against India in Kanpur, beginning on September 27. If he is unable to represent Bangladesh in the Test series against South Africa, this could be his last outing in the longest format.
