Shakib apologizes for 'silence' during civil unrest, home farewell on cards

Bangladesh cricket great Shakib Al Hasan has tendered an unconditional apology for his "silence" during the recent civil unrest against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, a move that might clear the decks for a farewell Test match at home against South Africa.

He is targetting the opening Test starting October 21 in Mirpur as his swansong. There is a second Test in Chittagong but it is believed that Shakib will play the first game and then fly off to the USA, where he is settled with his wife and three children.

"Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people's uprising," Shakib, who has been named as an accused in a murder case in Bangladesh, wrote on his official Facebook page.

"While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, to those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical ...