As the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) prepares for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the participation of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
With the first Test scheduled to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi, fans and selectors alike are left wondering if Shakib will be able to join the squad in time.
A Rollercoaster Few Weeks for Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan, a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket, has been on a whirlwind tour, featuring in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Global T20 Canada and Major League Cricket in the USA.
Initially, it seemed certain that Shakib would be part of the Test squad. He had secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the BCB, which was valid until August 12, signaling his intent to return home in time for the Test series.
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However, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these plans. On August 6, Shakib lost his parliamentary seat amid ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh.
This unexpected turn of events has delayed his return to the country, raising serious doubts about his availability for the crucial Test series against Pakistan.
Concerns Over Test Readiness
Another layer of complexity to Shakib’s situation is whether he’s physically prepared to switch gears from T20 cricket to the demanding Test format.
Since playing a home series against Zimbabwe in May, Shakib has been immersed in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, which is quite different from the endurance required in Test matches.
An official from the BCB, speaking to The Daily Star, expressed these concerns, noting that while getting Shakib back to Bangladesh and then to Pakistan was a logistical challenge, there’s also a real worry about his readiness to handle the rigors of Test cricket after months of playing T20s.
The situation has been further complicated by communication issues. Reports suggest that BCB selectors have struggled to get in touch with Shakib over the past week, likely due to the political unrest in Bangladesh.
With the Test series just around the corner, the selectors plan to consult with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha before making any final decisions.
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Cricket Operations In-charge Shahriar Nafees has stated that Shakib’s inclusion in the Test squad depends on two key factors: his availability and whether he is selected for the final 15-man squad.
As Bangladesh’s Test series against Pakistan draws nearer, the uncertainty surrounding Shakib Al Hasan’s participation continues to loom large. Fans and team management are anxiously waiting to see if their premier all-rounder will be ready to take the field in Rawalpindi, or if they’ll have to face Pakistan without one of their most experienced players.
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