Sakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, announced his retirement from Test and T20 internationals on September 26th in Kanpur. He expressed his desire to play his final Test match at Mirpur Stadium. Since then, the issue of Sakib returning to Bangladesh for his final Test has been a subject of much debate, with varying statements from the Youth and Sports Advisor, Asif Mahmud Sajib, and the BCB President, Faruque Ahmed.
On [date], Sakib’s fans, known as “Sakibians,” organized a long march towards the vicinity of the “Home of Cricket” (Mirpur Stadium). Reports suggest that there were clashes and counter-protests during this demonstration.
Near the number one gate of Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, the Sakibians chanted slogans like “Who are you, who am I, Sakibian, Sakibian,” reiterating their demand for Sakib to play his final Test at Mirpur.
As part of their pre-planned program, they assembled for the long march and attempted to submit a memorandum to BCB President Faruque Ahmed. However, law enforcement officials prevented the protesters from proceeding. The demonstrators remained at the location for several hours. When they tried to break through the barricades, clashes ensued. Subsequently, anti-Sakib groups attacked the protesters.
Bangladesh is set to face South Africa in the first Test of the series at Mirpur tomorrow. Initially, Sakib was included in the 15-member squad for the Test. On October 16th, he had left for Bangladesh from Dubai. However, at the last moment, the star all-rounder had to change his decision. Later, it was revealed that on the advice of Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud, Sakib was advised against returning to the country.
