Bangladeshi cricket maestro Shakib Al Hasan emerged victorious in a political showdown on Sunday, securing a parliamentary seat with a staggering lead in a general election marked by opposition boycotts. The 36-year-old all-rounder, at the helm of the national cricket team across all formats, triumphed in the western town of Magura, clinching victory with a commanding margin of over 150,000 votes, as reported by the district’s chief administrator, Abu Naser Beg.
Describing the win as a “landslide victory,” Shakib’s success adds a new chapter to his illustrious career. However, there’s been no immediate comment from the cricket sensation, who contested under the banner of the ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister is herself poised for a fifth term in power, with the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) opting to boycott the elections.
Before the polls, Shakib acknowledged the absence of significant obstacles but admitted to feeling the pressure of the competition. “The competition and challenges are always there, be it a small team or big team,” he remarked to AFP. Despite the demanding campaign, Shakib dismissed concerns about balancing his roles as a lawmaker and cricket captain, emphasizing that he hadn’t retired from the sport.
Shakib Al Hasan, a cricket legend, has topped the ICC rankings for all-rounders in all formats! He started young, honing his skills at Bangladesh’s top academy. Just 19, he took the international stage by storm in 2006, bat in hand and ball in control.
In 2007, Shakib Al Hasan’s standout moment was in the World Cup, playing a crucial role in Bangladesh’s memorable victory against India. Despite on-field success, his career is not without controversies.
Shakib Al Hasan, known for his rebellious streak, once threatened a spectator with a bat and faced a ban for a lewd gesture. Now, entering politics, he’ll tackle new challenges as a lawmaker and cricket icon.
