BCB president: Shakib is unlikely to participate in the ODIs against Afghanistan.
BCB president Faruque Ahmed has announced that Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. He mentioned that the decision to withdraw from the ODIs was made by Shakib himself, while also hinting at the emotional impact of not being able to play what was meant to be his farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa on October 21.
Shakib has been inactive in cricket for almost a month since the second Test in India, but he is expected to play in the Abu Dhabi T10 League with the Bangla Tigers to gain some match fitness ahead of the Caribbean tour.
Following the three ODIs against Afghanistan, Bangladesh will head to the West Indies for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Although Shakib has retired from Tests and T20Is, he will be available for the ODIs in the Caribbean and the Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2025. He hasn’t participated in ODIs since the World Cup in India last year.
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“After Shakib was unable to participate in his farewell Test, he hasn’t been practicing much,” Faruque stated during a press conference on Thursday. “I believe he needs some time to regroup. While we haven’t made a final decision, it appears he is unlikely to play in the upcoming series against Afghanistan. He may be participating in a T10 tournament soon. I still feel he can represent Bangladesh in the 50-over format, especially with three ODIs against the West Indies before the Champions Trophy.”
Faruque added that the board would consider Shakib for the remaining ODIs this season if the selectors believe his training and participation in the franchise tournament would adequately prepare him. “Shakib has been playing for 17 years and is part of a generation that engages in a lot of franchise cricket. They know the routine: they play, rest for a few hours, and show up for training. He’s accustomed to such situations.”
“While training with the team is undoubtedly the best approach, we will take him into account if the selection committee thinks he can still perform well through training or playing in tournaments abroad.”
The national selectors have yet to announce the Bangladesh squad for the ODIs against Afghanistan, which begins on November 6. The board president plans to meet with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has recently shown reluctance to captain the side.
Meanwhile, Faruque mentioned that the decision for Shakib to miss the Dhaka Test last week was made by the government, with the BCB not involved in the decision-making process.
“The BCB was not involved in the decision regarding Shakib’s absence from Bangladesh,” he explained. “Our sports adviser had informed the media at the time that there was an issue if he came. I didn’t feel the need to make a statement. I heard there was security until about 3 or 4 PM, after which clashes occurred between the two groups.”
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