Shakib Al Hasan was advised not to return to Bangladesh to avoid an "unpleasant situation," according to Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud. Shakib had planned to play his final Test match on home soil but changed his decision after reaching Dubai. The government advised him against returning for security reasons. In a statement to AFP, Asif Mahmud said that this decision was made to ensure Shakib's safety and protect the country's image.

Shakib had previously indicated uncertainty about returning to Bangladesh for the first Test against South Africa, citing security concerns. Following political changes in the country, Shakib faced uncertainty about his return, especially after being implicated in a murder case. Despite wanting to play his final Test match in Mirpur, protests erupted upon news of his return, led by the "Mirpur Students' Movement," who threatened to protest his presence at the match. Shakib was also urged to clarify his political stance, which he did through a statement on social media.