A group of fans calling for Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to play in a farewell test against South Africa were attacked by rival protesters wielding sticks and bamboo on Sunday, police said.

The uncertainty surrounding Shakib Al Hasan's farewell test continues to escalate as the all-rounder is advised not to travel home. Despite being named in the squad for the first test against South Africa,

A scuffle erupted outside Mirpur Stadium between pro and anti Shakib Al Hasan supporters, a day before Bangladesh-South Africa Test.

Shakib's political connections have complicated his circumstances, and he has remained outside the country since the ousting of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

The absence of Shakib Al Hasan has come as a relief to South Africa as they embark on a two-test series in Bangladesh but stand-in captain Aiden Markram does not expect the challenge to be any easier.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has said Shakib Al Hasan's absence from what should have been his farewell Test was "unfortunate," but urged his team to focus on the task at hand - the first match against South Africa starting on Monday.

A group of fans calling for Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to play in a farewell test against South Africa were attacked by rival protesters wielding sticks and bamboo on Sunday, police said.