Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is mulling a break from international cricket. The star Bangladesh cricketer speaking to the media before travelling to Dubai on Sunday informed, he has already conveyed his thoughts to the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB].
Shakib’s latest statement has once again plunged uncertainty over his full availability for the tour of South Africa. Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to the African nation on Friday for a two Tests and three one-day internationals. Though BCB president Nazmul Hasan had confirmed Shakib to be available for the full tour and later the BCB announced the squads including Shakib, the latest statement from the cricketer has revived fresh speculations.
Shakib while speaking to the media at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport said he did not enjoy playing in the Afghanistan series. It is understood that the left-arm all-rounder based his statement for his below par performance in the just concluded series involving three ODIs and two T20Is.
“The state I am in mentally and physically, I don’t think I can play international cricket anymore. I think if I get a break and get the rhythm back, it will be easier for me. I felt like a passenger in the Afghanistan series which I never want to see in me,” said Shakib.
“I couldn’t enjoy the game to be honest – both the ODIs and the T20Is. I don’t think it will be wise for me to play the South Africa series with this mental state,” the Bangladesh cricketer added.
Shakib in the three ODIs against Afghanistan scored 60 runs batting and picked five wickets. In the two T20Is he could score only five and nine runs respectively and picked two wickets.
“It [performance against Afghanistan] was disappointing. I couldn’t perform the way I expect from myself and the way the board and the supporters expect. I am very disappointed,” said Shakib.
Shakib informed a decision on his availability will come in a couple of days.
“I spoke to Jalal bhai [BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Younus] and he said to think for two days. It can be that I am not playing the ODIs but the Test or vice versa. I am still not sure but understand that I need a break. I had discussion with the board on our international schedule for the next one year. This way I could plan for the way ahead and ensure that I am prepared,” said Shakib.
Since the start of the saga of Shakib and his availability for South Africa – there has been a wide rumor in the cricket circuit. Initially Shakib was to miss the tour in order to play the Indian Premier League T20 2022. However, going unsold twice in the players’ auction of the tournament, many in the fraternity were in opinion that Shakib might tour South Africa and rather participate in the Dhaka Premier League which is scheduled to begin on March 15.
Shakib has been part of the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the premier 50-over tournament of the county since last season. The jersey unveiling ceremony of the Motijheel based club was held at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday with participation of Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and other eminent cricketers of the club.
Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah along with other national cricketers that are part of the South Africa tour will not be available for Mohammedan in parts of the season.