SA vs BAN: Shakib Al Hasan To Play Third ODI Against South Africa Despite Family Issues

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has opted to stay back in South Africa and will play the final ODI match despite his family members, including children, being hospitalised back at home due to various illnesses.

According to a report by Bangla Tribune, Shakib’s mother Shirin Akhter has been admitted to the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for the last few days due to heart complications. Shakib’s son and second daughter have also been admitted as both of them suffered from pneumonia.

Shakib Al Hasan turned it down himself: Khaled Mahmud

It was learnt that Shakib would immediately return home to be with his family but Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud on Monday confirmed that the senior player changed his mind to travel but might leave after the completion of the ODI series.

“A number of his family members are sick so he is in hesitation. He is speaking to his family about whether he needs to return to Dhaka. We have had to book a few tickets for him in the last few days. We booked a ticket today as well, because he was supposed to leave today,” Mahmud was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“But Shakib turned it down himself. He will return after playing [the third ODI]. Definitely, he was supposed to return home, which Jalal (Yunus, chairman of the BCB’s cricket operations committee) bhai said earlier in the day. But shortly afterwards, Shakib decided that he will leave after playing (the third ODI),” he added.

Shakib Al Hasan is making such a big sacrifice for the Bangladesh team: Khaled Mahmud

Shakib scored 77 runs in the first ODI as Bangladesh defeated South Africa by 38 runs. Mahmud appreciated the Bangladesh all-rounder for sacrificing to play for his nation.

“It is a family situation, which is important for everyone. Otherwise, he was very intense from the start of the tour. Very serious about playing. He was player-of-the-match in the first game. He wants to win the series for Bangladesh,” Mahmud said.

“He also knows that we will have a tough time making a combination without him. It is very pleasant that he is making such a big sacrifice for the Bangladesh team. I am hopeful that everyone becomes normal in his family. He will decide after the third ODI now,” he added.