Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf said on Monday that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is available for all the Test matches for the upcoming season in 2024. Bangladesh is set to play eight test matches including the test series against Pakistan which starts on August 21.
Following the Pakistan series, Bangladesh will be playing a two-match test series against India, South Africa, and West Indies respectively.
Shakib has hinted that he is uncertain about playing against India as he was only planning for a test series against Pakistan.
“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,” said Ashraf.
Shakib’s selection was underdue as he did play only four of the eight tests the side played in the last two years. He will join the squad from Canada after playing in the Global T20 league.
“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,” he said.
“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,” 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s parliament got dissolved after prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 05. As a result, there was speculation on Shakib’s return after many former ruling party members were attacked.
“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. 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,” Ashraf said
Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed is set to return for the Pakistan tests after a long break in the test format. He hasn’t played in the test for more than 12 months. During the T20 World Cup 2024, he was battling with his shoulder injury.
Coming to the series, the first match of the Pakistan test series will begin on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
