A huge weight has been lifted from the shoulders of Shakib al Hasan after Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan withdrew the talismanic all-rounder’s overseas league ban last Thursday.
Shakib was earlier suspended for six months from all kinds of cricket activities on July 7 this year owing to indiscipline although the ban was later reduced by three months. The 27-year old made a glorious return following his three-month suspension leading the Tigers to a clean sweep at home against Zimbabwe in both the Test and ODI series.
And after the BCB supremo withdrew his overseas league ban, which was supposed to expire at the end of next year, Shakib is expectedly a relieved man these days.
“Obviously, I am happy. No one wants his hands and legs tied down and I am happy for this. I would like to thank BCB for taking the decision as I always get inspired while playing for my country. My performance will improve if I play all over the world which will, as a result, help me when I will play for my country. That is the reason why I want to play overseas,” Shakib told the media at a shopping mall yesterday.
With the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia-New Zealand knocking at the door, Shakib believes the global showpiece event will be a challenging one for the Tigers. The champion all-rounder thinks preparation will be key.
“Honestly, if I say personally, it will be tough and I think preparation will be important. We have to be there early and utilise those times that I think will be quite important for us. And, as long as we are in Bangladesh, we will be practising according to the conditions there.
“Who does not want to play well in the world cup? If we can give our best and play according to our ability it is possible to do well,” he said.
While addressing the media personnel, the lad from Magura also praised the performance of the Bangladesh spinners in the recently concluded bilateral series against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Shakib, who turned out for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash Twenty20 league last year, informed that he is yet to confirm his place in a team this season. “It is not yet confirmed. Maybe it will be confirmed soon. Although I had a contract with them (Adelaide), it was terminated after my suspension. Let’s see what happens. We are in touch and if I can play then it will be good. However, if I can’t then I will not feel bad,” he added.
