Shakib Al Hasan will not play in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. Many expected the star all rounder to return to the Bangladesh team for that series. But his name is not in the squad planned for the matches. This means Shakib and his fans will have to wait longer.
Talk about his return had grown in recent weeks. Some believed the Pakistan series could bring him back to the national side. However, the selectors did not include the former captain in the squad they sent to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
One reason is that Shakib has been away from the team for a long time. He has not trained with the other players. Because of this, questions were raised about adding him suddenly to the squad.
His legal issues have also slowed things down. There has been no clear progress in the case involving him. Due to this situation, Shakib has not returned to the country yet.
Bangladesh Cricket Board director Asif Akbar spoke about the matter on Wednesday. He talked to the media at the Cox’s Bazar International Cricket Stadium.
“Work is going on regarding Shakib’s case. From the BCB side the matter has gone to the ministry. The ministry is working on it, and our legal team is also involved,” he said.
Asif still hopes Shakib will return soon.
“The ministry and the BCB are working together on the legal issues that created complications for Shakib. We are very hopeful that we will see Shakib in Bangladesh cricket very soon. Like you, like the Shakibians, like the whole country, we are also waiting.”
Bangladesh will face Pakistan in an ODI series starting on March 11. The matches will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Each game will begin at 2:15 PM. Bangladesh have not yet announced the final squad for the series.
