Shakib Al Hasan on brink of political triumph in uncontested Bangladesh general assembly elections

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan is on the verge of winning in the country’s general election after the opposition has called for a boycott. It leaves the all-rounder unopposed as he has been vocal about the lack of a serious opponent in Magura, where he is contesting a seat for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. 

Even though he is unopposed and set to win, Shakib mentioned that there’s still some anxiety until he gets the job done. During one of his campaigns, the cricketer mentioned that the competition and challenges are always there and he is trying his best to win the game.

“The competition and challenges are always there, be it a small team or big team. Even when we know we will win against a team, we still feel our heartbeat before the game,” Shakib was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

As the opposition is facing multiple challenges, including the arrest of the officials and activists, Shakib has asked the people of Bangladesh to "work together" for the betterment of the country. He has also been spotted playing tennis ball cricket during his campaigns and taking pictures with thousands of his fans. Notably, due to his celebrity status, people have turned out in numbers to watch the cricketer, while he has also quashed the retirement rumours despite a new career in politics.

Chandika Hathurusingha backs Najmul Shanto to replace Shakib as next skipper

In the absence of Shakib in the national team, Najmul Hossain Shanto has done a commendable job as the leader of the pack. Under his leadership, Bangladesh won the opening Test against the Tim Southee-led side recently when the Kiwis toured Bangladesh and has also won their first ODI and T20I match in New Zealand. After the same, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha lauded the 25-year-old and mentioned that the cricketer has got what it takes to become the next full-time captain.

“I think they (the Bangladesh selectors) will strongly think about that. Of course, it's a board decision, but Shanto has shown enough evidence for them to take him seriously,” Hathurusingha was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.