Shakib Al Hasan has been Bangladesh’s backbone for a long time now. His contribution to the team’s recent success is commendable. In a recent victory over Australia in the first Test, Shakib was adjudged the man of the match for his all round match winning performance. He has been a complete player for a young Bangladeshi team, guiding the new players as he is one of the most experience player in the team.
However, Shakib is now considering a six months sabbatical from Test cricket because of a hectic cricket schedule. Shakib is yet to submit an official letter regarding his break from the format. Bangladesh are supposed to leave for a full fledged series in South Africa on 16th September, and the selectors are waiting for a word from the player to pick the final squad. BCB’s cricket operation chairman Akram Khan said:
“We will take a decision once he submits the official letter.”
Shakib is, however, ready to play in the shorter format of the game. Shakib informed the BCB’s president Nazmul Hasan about his break on Tuesday citing fatigue and the need to rejuvenate himself as the reason for the break. Shakib was supposed to submit a letter on Sunday as the BCB will announce the 15 men squad for the tour on Monday.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin is hopeful that Shakib changes his decision over the sabbatical, he said:
“I think he will be part of the Test squad. We can only think of a replacement when we get an official letter from him. Until that arrives, we can always feel he is part of the Test squad.”
If Shakib refuses to play then he will miss the two match Test series in South Africa and also the Bangladesh series in Bangladesh in December-January.