Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been granted permission by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to miss the two-Test series against Sri Lanka next month so that he can play in the IPL 2021.
Bangladesh’s Test series against Sri Lanka that was postponed twice last year due to the pandemic, is being planned in April to keep up with the ICC’s extended World Test Championship (WTC) deadline. As per ESPNCricinfo reports, though the dates of the Test series have not been announced, it seems the two events were clashing with one another and hence Shakib was given permission to play in the IPL.
Shakib-Al-Hasan. Image Credits: Twitter
“He Doesn’t Want To Play Tests,” Says BCB Cricket Operations Head Akram Khan
Shakib Al Hasan was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 auction for Rs 3.20 crores. ESPNCricinfo reported that Shakib had written to the BCB asking permission for leave to play in the entire IPL on Thursday, which was granted to him.
“Shakib wants to play T20s at the moment. He doesn’t want to play Tests. He has asked for a leave for the IPL. We also don’t want to force someone who doesn’t want to play Tests, which is why the board has decided to grant him the leave,” Akram Khan told Prothom Alo.
Shakib-Al-Hasan (Image Credits: Twitter)
As per the reports of the local Bangladesh daily, Shakib has told the BCB that he wants to return to the national team for the ODIs against Sri Lanka slated for May. Bangladesh cricketers have until May 19 to play in the IPL, after which they must return for national duty, as per a stipulation in the players’ contract. The stipulation also says that players must be available for Bangladesh in the window as well.
The BCB allows its players to participate in two T20 leagues per year, but there have been instances where Shakib Al Hasan had to pull out of either the entire IPL or midway from the tournament due to national commitments.
The IPL is reportedly scheduled to begin on April 11.
Also Read: IPL 2021 Auction: Kolkata Knight Riders’ Complete Squad After The Auction
