As the legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan nears the end of his illustrious cricket career, he has apologized and made an emotional appeal to his fans and the people of Bangladesh.
Ahead of the much-anticipated Kanpur Test, Shakib announced his retirement from international T20s and Test cricket, expressing his desire to play a farewell Test match against South Africa in Mirpur.
Initially, his wish faced some resistance from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), with negative remarks from both BCB President Faruque Ahmed and sports advisor Asif Mahmud. However, the situation appears to have shifted in Shakib's favor, as both officials have softened their stance in recent days, suggesting that the star cricketer may get the opportunity to play in the South Africa series after all.
Amidst the ongoing discussions, Shakib took to social media to clarify his position and seek support from his fans. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, he apologized for his silence during the historic student protests against the Awami League, the political party with which he has been associated as a Member of Parliament. Shakib explained that his brief foray into politics was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of his hometown, Magura.
Addressing his followers, Shakib expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering love and support that propelled him to become the world’s top all-rounder. He acknowledged that every victory and loss he experienced on the field was shared with his fans.
As he prepares for his final match, Shakib made a personal plea to his supporters, asking them to stand by him one last time. "I want to bid farewell with all of you by my side," he wrote, emphasizing the bond he shares with the nation that has cheered him on throughout his career.
In his final chapter, Shakib hopes to say goodbye to cricket surrounded by the fans who have stood by him in both triumph and defeat, closing the book on a journey defined not just by his talent, but by the support of his people.
For the convenience of 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!"
