As per reports, Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan are likely to miss the initial part of IPL 10, which starts on April 5, as they’ll be in Sri Lanka for two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is during then.
Bangladesh recently went down fighting against India in a one-off Test at Hyderabad by 208 runs. Mustafizur Rahman, who missed out the lone Test as he was under rehabilitation process, would now be in contention to walk out fit before Bangladesh’s squad for the bilateral series gets announced. However, the schedule is yet to be finalized.
In the one-off Test, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan performed well with both bat and ball. He scored 82 and 22 in both innings and picked up two wickets in total. His performance in the second innings was notable, as he dismissed Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in quick succession, putting a break on India’s free flowing run rate.
Mustafizur, who played for Sunrisers Hyderabad last year, helped them win their maiden IPL title with 17 scalps in total. His presence, however, stirred excitement in the tournament, making him the man to look out for every time he was handed the ball. On the other hand, Shakib plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, the two time IPL champions, and has been one of their key players in the squad.
Since Hyderabad will play host in the first match of the season against last year’s runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore, the side owners would be slightly worried, realizing their prime bowler is not in the squad. Though, for Gautam Gambhir’s KKR, Shakib’s absence would hurt, as already the services of Andre Russell has been abandoned by the ICC.