Bangladesh is all set to return to the Test cricket arena. Being a part of the World Test Championship circle, they are set to play some Test matches this year. This month, they are all set to play a Test series against Pakistan. Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the series was not confirmed. Before the series starts, Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be available for all Test matches scheduled in 2024.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain’s Confirmation of Shakib’s Availability:
After a long schedule in a limited over format, Bangladesh is all set to step into a long schedule in the longest format. Later this month, Bangladesh will face Pakistan in a two-match Test series. After that, they will face India, South Africa, and West Indies in the same format. However, concern was arising over Shakib Al Hasan’s availability in the longer format.
Shakib Al Hasan had previously suggested he might not commit beyond the two-Test series against Pakistan, leaving his availability for the India series uncertain. However, Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed on Monday that Shakib is set to participate in all Test matches for Bangladesh throughout 2024.
BCB’s Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said, “Probably at the end of July we talked to Shakib and there were discussions with me regarding his fitness. During the Zimbabwe series, we wanted to understand his short-term plans. We have a busy schedule with eight Test matches by December. He assured us that he would play all the Tests and attend all practice sessions before each series. He is expected to join the team around August 14 or 15.”
Hossain on Shakib’s Role:
Shakib’s selection was debated as he featured in only four of Bangladesh’s eight Tests over the last two years and faced eye issues that affected his participation. Shakib will join the squad from Canada after the Global T20 League. Concerns also arose about whether he would be used as an all-rounder or solely as a bowler.
Hossain said, “I haven’t received any updates from our medical team regarding his eyes. Globally, Shakib is one of the best all-rounders for the past 25 (15) years and I maintain that opinion. I cannot dare to consider him only as a bowler.”
Then he added, “The way he has been able to take himself to new heights and his adjustability to different formats and his record against Pakistan are all considered for his inclusion.”
Lastly, he said, “It was important to know whether he will be available in all the practice sessions before series and that was a criterion for selection from our point of view. We were supposed to go [to Pakistan] a bit later. He will probably reach the side on 14th or 15th and practice with the team.”
View on the Security Concerns:
Ashraf noted that security concerns also influenced Shakib’s participation. Shakib’s active political involvement as a member of parliament from the Awami League in the last general election added to the security issues.
He said, “In practice sessions, there are security issues regarding every player or official. That definitely has to be ensured in light of current circumstances because Shakib is a top player in Bangladesh. In terms of selection, we had to think of many things because he is a political person.”
Later he added, “But his selection was done because of his talent. We have been open regarding his talent and we do that for every player and we will do that in the future if we remain in the selection panel.”
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