Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's future in Test cricket remains uncertain. Prior to the Kanpur Test against India, Shakib had announced that it would be his last away Test. However, whether this Test will be his final one entirely is still up in the air, contingent on whether he returns to Bangladesh and participates in the upcoming home series.

The decision on Shakib's career hangs in the balance, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) awaiting directions from the highest levels of authority. Shahriar Nafees, the manager of cricket operations at BCB, clarified that the final call would come from top policymakers.

In October, Bangladesh is set to face South Africa in a two-match Test series at home. While Shakib has expressed his desire to conclude his illustrious career on home soil, his current situation is far from ordinary, as noted by Shahriar Nafees.

Addressing the media on Monday, Nafees said, "Shakib’s case is being handled at the highest level of decision-makers. The Honourable Sports Adviser has spoken on this, as well as the BCB President. It is not appropriate for me to comment, as the matter is beyond my level and is being addressed by those in charge at the highest echelons."

He added, "Every player wants to retire from the field in front of their fans, and that’s normal. But Shakib’s situation is not normal. Given the gravity of his case, it is being discussed at the highest level, and any resolution should ideally come from there."

Both sports adviser Asif Mahmud and BCB president Faruque Ahmed have already made public remarks regarding Shakib. The BCB president stated that the board cannot provide personal security for Shakib, while the sports adviser mentioned that they would be powerless if the public remains hostile toward the cricketer.

Many are now speculating that the Kanpur Test might be Shakib’s last, as his future remains clouded by personal and political challenges. Shakib had served as the Member of Parliament for the Magura-1 constituency before the parliament was dissolved in August, and he is currently facing a murder charge.