Shakib Al Hasan confirms he is unlikely to return Bangladesh amidst protests

Legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed that he will not be returning to Bangladesh anytime soon. Shakib, who has been accused of murder in his home country, currently lives in the USA.

In Short

• Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to return to Bangladesh
• Shakib is a murder accused in his home country
• The all-rounder recently retired from T20I cricket

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to return home. One of the greatest players to have come out of the country, Shakib currently stays in the United States of America with his family. The player, who recently retired from the T20I format played the 2-Test match series against India, which many are considering his final one of the team.

In a text message to ESPNcricinfo, Shakib confirmed that he will not return to his home country, where he is accused of murder. "I am not sure where I am going next, but it is almost sure that I am not going home," Shakib told ESPNcricinfo.

Shakib was a Member of Parliament under the Awami League-led government until the party was ousted from power in August in the face of nationwide protests. Following the government's fall, many Awami League politicians went into hiding, were arrested, and banned from leaving the country.

Shakib, who reportedly hasn't been in Bangladesh since before the protests, was accused in a murder case related to the protests by the Adabor police station. The BCB has allowed him to continue playing for the national team until proven guilty.

The current Youth and Sports adviser of the counrty - Asif Mahmud has also reportedly advised the player to stay away. While speaking to news agency AFP, the minister said that he had advised Shakib to not return home to avoid any 'untoward circumstances'.

"I have advised Shakib not to come [to Bangladesh] to avoid any untoward circumstances. This decision was made to ensure the safety of players and to protect the country's image," he told AFP.

Bangladesh have a busy cricketing season ahead. The team will take on South Africa in a home Test series starting October 21. They will then take on Afghanistan and West Indies in the build up to the ICC Champions Trophy.