Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been issued NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the Indian Premier League T20 2019. Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman of media and communication Jalal Younus informed the left-arm all-rounder has been allowed to play in the money-spinning T20 league subjecting to the fitness of the southpaw.
Shakib has been recovering from a finger injury that he sustained during the Bangladesh Premier League T20 final in February and was ruled off from the Bangladesh tour of New Zealand. The Bangladesh Test and T20I captain was being considered to play the third and the final Test of that is scheduled to begin from Saturday at Christchurch. However, medical reports suggested Shakib will not be able to get full fitness before March 20 thus he will miss the game.
But some speculation arose about him missing the crucial series as some said the most successful all-rounder in Bangladesh history took rest in order to remain fresh for IPL.
While speaking to the media at a CocaCola event in Dhaka on Wednesday, Jalal brushed off such speculation.
“I don’t think the speculation is right. He has got an injury and as he is recovering from it he has been advised a 10-day rest. So, he will miss the final Test against New Zealand. Following his recovery and if the doctors give him a green signal regarding his fitness, he can play any form of cricket he wants,” said Jalal.
Ace @BCBtigers all-rounder @Sah75official has been ruled out of the third and final Test match against New Zealandhttps://t.co/3vZDEodknb#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #SHAKIBALHASAN #MUSHFIQURRAHIM #NEWZEALAND #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #BANGLADESHCRICKET #NZC #KIWIS #NEW #ZEALAND #SHAKIB
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) March 11, 2019
Concerns are at high of keeping the mainstream national cricketers safe from injury given the ICC Cricket Would Cup 2019 will be held in two months. Jalal informed the board is concerned but also said putting restriction over playing opportunities of the players is not the right way.
“I think there should not be any restriction. I think the players should be allowed to play if he is fit but be careful from picking up an injury. Shakib has already been given the clearance but it might be that he will comeback after playing first few matches. But we cannot restrict a player from playing a tournament (citing injury concern). He can always be allowed if the board think he is fit,” Jalal explained.
Jalal also clarified why the cricketer will play IPL T20 and not the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
“None of the national cricketers are playing in the Dhaka League. Shakib wanted to play Dhaka League but we did not allow him as no national team player has been allowed,” said Jalal.
The 12th season of the IPL T20 is set to raise curtain on March 23. Shakib was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad and is set to start campaign taking on Kolkata Knight Riders on March 24 at the Eden Gardens.