Shakib Al Hasan gets ready for a new innings, this time in politics

It were his all-round abilities that made Shakib Al Hasan a cricket superstar, but little did people know that one day he would add more skills to his repertoire by entering the field of politics. Considered to be the best cricketer to come out out of Bangladesh as well as current captain of the ODI team, Shakib is set to contest in the country’s 12th parliamentary elections. He is fighting from Magura-1 constituency, his home district, for the ruling Awami League and polls take place on 7 January. On the field, Shakib can play whatever role you need him to take over. He is a brilliant fielder who can score truckloads of runs and can bowl multiple overs of his trick spin bowling relentlessly. On the political pitch also, the seasoned cricketer has emerged as a top-notch performer, campaigning actively for his seat and the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interesting thing, however, is that Shakib’s victory is almost granted. Not because he is hugely popular in his home district. “I don’t think he would have won it if there was a proper election. Shakib is no longer popular here,” a Magura resident had said about Shakib to Al Jazeera. Still, Shakib is certain to win because the main opposition force, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has boycotted the elections. Hasina has been the PM since 2009 but her victories in 2014 and 2018 were marred by irregularities. She is someone who is also seen as an authoritarian. The BNP wanted Hasina to cede power to a caretaker government to hold the elections but after its demand was not met, the party, led by Tarique Rahman who is in exile in London, boycotted the polls. This is not to say Shakib could not have won if BNP was contesting. After all, he is arguably the most popular man in the country. But will getting elected to the parliament bring an end to his cricketer career like it did for his former teammate Masharafe Mortaza? No. Shakib isn’t ready to hang his boots. “I think they (cricket and politics) can be managed. Managing time will not be a problem because I have done it in the past and can do it in future as well, and have full confidence on me to make that happen,” he said in an interview with Cricbuzz. “I don’t think that will be the case with me (having any misunderstanding with the board) because I am straightforward.” Politics is a new turf for the star all-rounder but he is not ready to leave the old one, even if it means playing two innings at once.