Shakib Al Hasan became the first player in the country to receive the key to a city.

In the presence of hundreds of fans, cricket enthusiasts and young cricketers at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram, the mayor of the city handed over the "key to the city" to Shakib during a ceremony yesterday.

The mayor AJM Nasir Uddin said Shakib should not be perceived as an individual rather as an institution.

"We all know that he is the best player- the country has ever had and is definitely the greatest ambassador of Bangladesh cricket," said the mayor adding that the award was given to Shakib for his outstanding performance in the last World Cup cricket tournament.

Meanwhile after receiving the award, the overwhelmed all-rounder expressed his gratitude to all his fans saying, "I live on such motivations. For me, the biggest achievement has always been being able to represent my country."

Later in the ceremony, Shakib answered questions of young cricketers and advised them to be good sportsmen.

"Though men are given more priority in cricket, our women's team have presented us with better performance. They snatched the Asia Cup which the boys couldn't do yet," said Shakib.

"We must provide our girls with proper facilities everywhere. They have come this far overcoming all the obstacles," Shakib added.

He also advised the youngsters to concentrate in their studies besides practicing. "Education has no alternative, no matter whatever you achieve in life," he said.