Shakib supporters clash with opponents outside stadium ahead of South Africa Test

A confrontation erupted outside the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday between supporters and opponents of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, just one day before Bangladesh's first Test against South Africa.

A group advocating for Shakib's inclusion in the Test squad, known as "Shakibians," gathered to chant slogans demanding his reinstatement. However, they were met with resistance from another faction opposing Shakib's return, resulting in a chaotic scene in the presence of security personnel.

While no injuries were reported, Dhaka-based media outlet Prothom Alo stated that security forces detained one individual during the altercation.

Prior to the clash, the two groups had expressed their views separately: one faction supporting Shakib's opportunity to play a farewell Test series, while the other group had political grievances against him, stemming from his association with the Awami League party, which faced government overthrow in August.

On Wednesday, Shakib was initially included in the Bangladesh squad for the Test against South Africa. However, the following day, Mirpur Chhatra Janata, a student group, submitted a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal.

Consequently, Shakib announced to ESPNcricinfo that he would not travel to Bangladesh for the match. The BCB subsequently withdrew him from the team, citing security concerns as relayed by sports adviser Asif Bhuiyan.

This marked the first time Shakib's supporters rallied outside the Shere Bangla since Friday, renewing their demands for his reinstatement, although this time they faced barricades set up by security forces.

Shakib, who primarily resides in New York City, has been absent from Bangladesh since May.

During the recent anti-government protests leading to the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, Shakib was in Canada participating in the Global T20 Canada. Prior to that, he was in the USA for Major League Cricket and has since played Test matches in Pakistan and India, in addition to one game for Somerset in the County Championship.

Furthermore, BCB has announced uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan in the squad for the first Test against South Africa.

The match is set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka from today.

Previously, former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan had addressed the political turmoil in his home country, offering an apology for his silence during a pivotal period and expressing his desire for a fitting farewell from the game.

Shakib’s comments come amidst heightened political tension following the fall of the Awami League government and ongoing public criticism over his lack of involvement in the protests.

The all-rounder, who has faced controversy in recent months due to his political ties and absence during key anti-discrimination protests, took to social media to clarify his stance.

In his Facebook post, Shakib began by paying tribute to the students who lost their lives or were injured during the protests, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation.