Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s fans attacked by rivals in Dhaka

Protesters demanding star cricketer’s inclusion in the team were targeted by those opposing his return home, police say.

A group of fans calling for Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan to play in a farewell Test match were attacked by rival protesters wielding sticks and bamboo before the first Test against South Africa in Dhaka, police say.

The star all-rounder’s fans, self-proclaimed “Shakibians”, had gathered outside the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in the capital on Sunday, asking for Shakib’s inclusion in the Bangladesh squad.

Police said trouble began when protesters opposed to Shakib’s return for the match attacked his supporters, while the touring South African team trained at the venue.

“Army personnel quickly came and brought the situation under control,” a police official was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency on Monday.

Reports in Bangladeshi media said the protesters demanded “justice” for the cricketer. The fans, some wearing the Bangladesh cricket team’s shirts, dispersed after being charged by rival protesters.

Shakib was a member of the Bangladeshi parliament for the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule as prime minister ended in August with her fleeing to India following deadly protests that began in July.

The former Bangladesh captain has not been in the country since the protests began in July but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had assured him he would not be harassed on his return and he was due to play his final Test match in the series that began on Monday.

However, the 37-year-old pulled out of the series after fans opposing his return launched protests in advance of the series.

“I was to return home … but now I don’t think I can,” Shakib told broadcaster bdnews24.com