Shakib apologises for silence during protest, seeks support during farewell Test

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan on Wednesday (October 9) cleared his political stance, paving the path for the possibility of him getting a farewell Test against South Africa at home in Bangladesh as he had hoped.

Cricbuzz had earlier reported that Shakib's dream of playing his farewell Test at home could turn into reality and now with his public apology, it would appear that things are going to plan.

Earlier, Youth and Sports Advisor, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain insisted that Shakib would need to clarify his position before asking for security.

Shakib, a former lawmaker under the Awami League regime, was also accused of being involved in a murder case last month. He finally broke silence on his stance on the Students' movement, two months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime.

The former member of the parliament apologised for remaining silent during that time and sought people's support in his final Test match at home later this month.

"At first, I respectfully remember all the students who sacrificed their lives or were injured while leading the anti-discrimination student movement. I offer my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. Although no sacrifice can ever fully compensate for the loss of loved ones, the pain of losing a child or a brother is irreplaceable," Shakib wrote in his official Facebook post on Wednesday.

"For those of you who felt hurt or disappointed by my silence during this critical time, I sincerely apologies acknowledging your feelings. If I were in your position, perhaps I would have felt the same way," he added.

Shakib urged his fans to stand by him when he takes to the field for the final time in whites.

"As you know, I will soon be playing my final match. In my final match, in the closing chapter of this story, I want you all by my side. I want to bid farewell with all of you standing with me," he said.

"I hope, and I don't just hope, I believe that in this final moment, you all will stand with me. You all will be there to close the story, a story where the true heroes are not me, but all of you," he concluded.