Dhaka
Veteran allrounder Shakib Al Hasan is expected to miss Bangladesh’s upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed. Shakib on Thursday, who has been out of action since the India series last month, also missed Bangladesh’s current Test series against South Africa due to safety concerns.
Shakib plans to play in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers to regain match fitness ahead of Bangladesh’s Caribbean tour. Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series starting November 6, after which they travel to the West Indies for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Shakib, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, is only expected to participate in the ODI leg in the Caribbean, marking his first ODI appearance since the 2023 World Cup.
BCB president Faruque emphasized that while training with the national squad is ideal, Shakib’s experience and participation in franchise leagues might suffice for his readiness. ‘Shakib has 17 years of experience, and he knows how to maintain his form through franchise leagues,’ Faruque said. ‘If the selection committee deems he’s prepared through these leagues, we’ll consider him.’
Faruque also addressed Shakib’s absence from the Dhaka Test, explaining that the decision was made by the government due to security concerns, with the BCB not involved in that decision.
