Bangladesh cricket great Shakib Al Hasan has tendered an unconditional apology for his 'silence' during the recent civil unrest against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, a move that might clear the decks for a farewell Test match at home against South Africa.

He is targetting the opening Test starting October 21 in Mirpur as his swansong. “Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people’s uprising,” Shakib, who has been named as an accused in a murder case in Bangladesh, wrote on his  Facebook page.