The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday has granted break to Shakib Al Hasan for the two upcoming Test matches against South Africa.
The BCB chief selector Akram Khan disclosed it in a press conference on Monday that Shakib Al Hasan is to be granted a break for the two Test matches against South Africa.
It was a talking point in media on Sunday when the news broke out that Shakib has submitted a letter to Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury in which the world’s leading all-rounder in all three format has requested BCB to allow him a six month break from Test.
So former national captain Akram Khan began the press conference saying that as you all know Shakib has asked for a six month break from Test cricket in a letter sent to BCB’s CEO.
He added, “We have discussed the matter among ourselves. For the time being we are not keeping Shakib in the first and the second Test. He will be not playing in the first Test starting from September 28 at Potchefstroom but if he intends to take part in second Test, he will be welcomed.
Akram also informed that Shakib will not be travelling with the Test team but again added if he changes his mind he may join the team in the second Test from October 6 at Bloemfontein.
When asked why Shakib wanted the break, Akram said: “Well, I have not gone through contains of the letter, so it not possible for me to know the actual reason. However chief selector added that Shakib has been playing a lot of cricket and might be in need of rest both mentally and physically.”
Akram concluded the press conference stating that Shakib was a very important player and the selectors do not want a situation where a player could become injury-prone due to overplaying.
Shakib starred in Bangladesh’s maiden Test win over Australia last month, claiming 10 wickets and scoring 84 runs.
The 30-year-old has played every Test for Bangladesh since missing two games against the West Indies in 2014 because of suspension.
