Shakib's return in doubt amid protest concerns

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan's return to the country is now uncertain after student protesters burned his effigy on Wednesday.

Shakib has said he wants to play his last Test match in Dhaka in front of his home crowd. He is part of the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, with the first match scheduled for October 21 in Mirpur.

Sources from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) say Shakib is supposed to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday at 11:20 PM. However, his return is now uncertain because of the protests and the possibility of more demonstrations.

A high-ranking government official told the media that there are concerns for Shakib's safety due to public anger.

A leader of the protesting student group, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they plan to submit a letter to the BCB on Thursday afternoon, asking the board to stop Shakib from entering the stadium.

The group is also calling for more students and protesters to join them at the BCB headquarters.