Shakib Al Hasan to quit Test cricket after Pakistan series? Bangladesh chief selector provides update on all-rounder's future
Published - 12 Aug 2024, 05:04 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:17 AM
Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain has announced that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be available for all Test matches in 2024. Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that Shakib Al Hasan assured his participation in all Test matches, adding that he will attend all practice sessions before each series this year.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play the two-match Test series against Pakistan, which is set to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21. The selectors have named a 16-member squad for the series, which is part of the ongoing ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle. Shakib Al Hasan is included in the Bangladesh squad for the series.
The Bangladesh national cricket team will play eight Test matches in the remainder of the year, including the Pakistan series. They will play a two-match series against India following the Pakistan series. Bangladesh will then face South Africa and the West Indies, respectively, in the longer format of the game.
Wanted To Understand Shakib Al Hasan's Short-Term Plans - Gazi Ashraf Hossain
Shakib Al Hasan had earlier said he might decide later on his participation against India. However, Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Shakib committed to playing all eight Test matches scheduled for the year. Hossain said that Shakib Al Hasan is expected to rejoin the team around August 14 or 15.
"Probably at the end of July we talked to Shakib and there were discussions with me regarding his fitness. During the Zimbabwe series, we wanted to understand his short-term plans," Ashraf told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
"We have a busy schedule with eight Test matches by December. He assured us that he would play all the Tests and attend all practice sessions before each series. He is expected to join the team around August 14 or 15," he added.
Shakib has played in only four of Bangladesh's eight Tests over the last two years. The veteran all-rounder will join the team from Canada after playing in the Global T20 League. His recent eye condition also raised questions about whether he would be used as an all-rounder or solely as a bowler in the upcoming matches.
Haven't Received Any Updates From Medical Team - Gazi Ashraf Hossain
Gazi Ashraf Hossain stated that he hasn’t received any recent medical updates about Shakib’s eye condition. He described Shakib Al Hasan as one of the top all-rounders over the past 15 years. Hossain said that Shakib’s adaptability to different formats and his record against Pakistan were key factors in his selection.
"I haven't received any updates from our medical team regarding his eyes. Globally, Shakib is one of the best all-rounders for the past 25 (15) years and I maintain that opinion. I cannot dare to consider him only as a bowler," Hossain said.
"The way he has been able to take himself to new heights and his adjustability to different formats and his record against Pakistan are all considered for his inclusion," he added.
