The wait is finally over for the return of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer of all time Shakib Al Hasan. The ace all-rounder’s one year ban from cricket ended on Wednesday. Shakib can now soon take the field. Meanwhile, his national team teammates are very excited ahead of his much awaited return.
Many of his teammates took the social media to greet and welcome him. Wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, with whom Shakib grew up at BKSP, gave an emotional post on social media about the return of his long time teammate.
BKSP is the birthplace of Mushfiq-Shakib’s chemistry. The two spent their adolescence there. Many years have passed since then. The age of international career of the two has passed a decade and a half. They have witnessed many joys and sorrows of Bangladesh cricket.
However, after being punished by the ICC, Shakib was out of all kinds of cricket activities. That miserable time has already come to an end. Now, Mushfiqur is all set to play with Shakib again.
On Wednesday night Mushfiqur wrote on Facebook, "We started our careers together as teenagers and never had to look back. Last year it came as a big shock to hear we would not be sharing dressing room for a year.
We have shared great memories, cherished all the good times and stood by each other during tough times. I am so glad that this one year is over and we will get to take on the field together. You have always come back as a champ and I cannot wait to share more match winning partnerships with you and bring joy for our nation In Sha Allah.”
Other senior and young cricketers also took the social media to wish the ace all-rounder on his return. To many of the country’s fledgling cricketers to whom Shakib is an idol, also joined in showering welcome back messages to Shakib.
T20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad shared a picture with Shakib and wrote ‘Welcome back champ’.
Celebrating a wicket along with Shakib, Cutter master Mustafizur Rahman posted, “Welcome, Shakib Bhai.”
Terming Shakib a living legend, Mehidy Hasan Miraj posted, “Welcome, Shakib Bhai! Looking forward to playing with you on the same team again. Sharing a dressing room with a living legend like you is a big achievement. I have learned a lot from you and there is still a lot to learn. I hope I can play for Bangladesh very soon.”
Middle order batsman Mosaddek Hossain posted, “King is back, welcome Shakib Bhai.”
With a picture of the two together in the Test match, Soumya Sarkar wrote with a heart emoji, “Welcome, brother.”
Liton Kumar Das posted referring to Shakib as a legend, “Welcome, Legend.”
Imrul Kayes posted a picture with Shakib and wrote in a regional language “Come on Shakib.”