Shakib Al Hasan to become victim of political turmoil in Bangladesh? BCB unlikely to pick ace all-rounder for Pakistan Tests

As the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) prepares for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, a significant uncertainty looms over the inclusion of their star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, for the much-awaited tour later this month.

The inclusion of Shakib in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming Test series is hanging in the balance as BCB is uncertain about the former captain’s availability for the Pakistan tour.

Bangladesh faces doubts over Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for Pakistan Tests

The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second and final Test in Karachi, starting on August 30.

Shakib, who is currently engaged in the Global T20 Canada, had expressed his intent to play in the Test series against Pakistan before leaving for the USA for the recent Major League Cricket 2024 (MLC 2024).

The seasoned all-rounder was later granted NOC by the BCB valid until August 12 for the ongoing Global T20 Canada 2024, allowing him to return to national duty for the Pakistan tour.

However, Shakib’s situation has now become more complex following recent political upheavals in Bangladesh. He was a Member of Parliament in the Awami League government, which fell after a student protest on August 5.

Later, Shakib lost his parliamentary position by presidential order, and the current political unrest in Bangladesh has complicated his return to the country. In addition to the political turmoil, there are concerns about Shakib’s fitness.

There's concern about whether Shakib can handle physical demands of Test cricket: BCB

His continuous involvement in T20 cricket since the Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series in May 2024 raises doubts about his readiness for the Test series, which demands a different level of fortitude and physical strength.

A BCB official told The Daily Star: “Before it was just about whether he [Shakib] could come to Bangladesh and then travel to Pakistan. He's been playing cricket, but in a format where he has to score quickly in a short time. And even though he knows how to play longer matches, there's a concern about whether he can handle the physical demands [of Test cricket].”

It is being said that the Bangladesh selectors struggled to reach Shakib in recent days due to ongoing political unrest in the country. Before finalizing the Test squad for the Pakistan tour, they plan to consult with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

Shakib is only a cricketer now: Nafees

The BCB has already prepared the 18-member preliminary squad, featuring Shakib and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, but the final 15-member squad will be confirmed following further discussions with the selection panel.

Cricket Operations in-charge Nafees has hinted that Shakib’s inclusion will depend on both his availability and his selection for the Pakistan series. Notably, Pakistan had already announced the Test squad for the Bangladesh series.

Shahriar Nafees stated: “He is only a cricketer now. There is a question of whether he is available for the series now, and another is whether he gets picked for the tour. We will run our activity keeping these two factors in mind.”