Bangladesh cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan is entering the political arena as he secures a nomination from the ruling Awami League for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The intersection of cricket and politics in Bangladesh is growing. With key figures like BCB president Nazmul Hassan and director Shafiul Alam Chowdhury were also nominated for parliamentary seats.
Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, is set to enter politics by participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The ruling Awami League has confirmed his nomination. He will be contesting from the Magura-1 constituency, which is his hometown. The elections are scheduled to take place on January 7.
Currently, Shakib is recovering from a finger injury sustained during a World Cup match against Sri Lanka on November 6, and there is uncertainty about his return to the field. Despite declaring earlier that he would step down as the ODI captain, he continues to lead the T20I team. Whether he will join the team for the tour of New Zealand in December, following two home Tests against New Zealand, remains uncertain.
History Of Cricket Politics Marriage
Shakib’s decision to enter politics follows in the footsteps of former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza. Mortaza, who became a Member of Parliament in the previous elections. Mashrafe, nominated again this year, has been active in community activities in his hometown for many years. Unlike Mashrafe, Shakib has not been involved in public life to this extent before.
The intersection of cricket and politics is becoming more prominent in Bangladesh. Besides Shakib and Mashrafe, Nazmul Hassan is the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He has been an MP since 2009, and he has been nominated again. Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, another BCB director, is also nominated for a parliamentary seat. Naimur Rahman, a former Bangladesh captain and incumbent MP, did not secure the Manikganj seat for the upcoming elections.
It is unusual for active international cricketers to enter politics. Before Shakib and Mashrafe, the notable instance was Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya running for public office in the 2010 general elections.
Hasan’s entry into politics is a significant development in Bangladeshi politics. It is a sign that the country’s political landscape is changing, and it is likely to have a lasting impact on the country’s future.
