With the recent turn of events, veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said he would be available to play in the tour of South Africa this month. On the contrary, on Wednesday, the BCB in a press statement announced that Shakib will be rested for the series. Speaking to media, BCB’s cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus on 9th March confirmed that the player requested the board to not include him in the squad for the South Africa tour. Jalal said that Shakib called him and said that he is not physically and mentally fit to play and want to skip the South Africa series and then the board decided to give him rest till April 30.
Bangladesh will play a three-match ODI series, which is a part of the ICC World Cup Super League and two Tests against the Proteas in its tour. Bangladesh will also play three T20 matches against South Africa. The first of which will be played on March 18 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The ODI series will be followed by a two-match Test series.
“I spoke to (BCB president Nazmul Hassan) for the last two days, when we planned the entire year. I am available for all three formats. The board will decide when to give me rest, that includes the South Africa series. I am available for the series”.
Shakib told a news channel on Saturday evening.
Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan becomes the leading wicket-taker in T20Is
Was it a voluntary rest or a forced leave? Is all well between Shakib and the BCB?
BCB chief Hassan, who spoke to the media stated that Shakib won’t be playing every match in the tour and will play according to his mental availability.
He(Shakib) told us that he didn’t want to go to South Africa, We granted him leave, which was later announced to the media. Then, the day before yesterday, he told me he was mentally tired. It can happen to anyone at any time. He was having trouble making up his mind, so we supported him during this time. The board is always with them (the players). He will travel to South Africa tomorrow. If he skips a match in this series, please accept it. He wants to play. That is the most important thing”.
Hasan quotes
Earlier on, Shakib had spoken about taking a break after the recently concluded Afghanistan limited overs series. Shakib also said that he was made to feel like a “passenger” in the squad. The veteran Bangladeshi spin maestro did not feature in the two-test series in New Zealand in January as well. His last test was against Pakistan in December. With his age rolling by Bangladesh too isn’t in a mind to rely too much on him and his inconsistency has been raising questions further. Is the ending near or its just a down phase of his career this only time will tell.
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