Archive photo of Shakib Al Hasan© AFP
Bangladeshi Shakib Al Hasan is still eligible for this month’s South African series, selectors said on Saturday, days after the all-rounder claimed he was not in the right room for cricket. Shakib struggled with poor performances, making just 60 runs and five wickets in the three-game ODI series against Afghanistan that ended last week.
He told the Bangladesh Cricket Board he was “mentally fatigued and physically stressed” and withdrew from the fight for the South Africa tour after being named to the squad.
But Shakib changed his mind three days after being reassured of all formats until April 30, after meeting board chairman Nazmul Hassan in Dhaka.
“Shakib is available for all formats of the South Africa tour. He will travel to South Africa tomorrow,” Nazmul told reporters after the meeting.
The 34-year-old was criticized by commentators after his sudden withdrawal, but Nazmul urged fans to be mindful of the national side.
“We must not forget that the seniors are under enormous pressure,” he said.
“We have to play 14 ODIs, 15 T20Is this year and we also have to play eight Tests. It is difficult for our senior players to play all these matches. We have to understand,” he added.
Shakib told reporters he had a plan for him to compete in the coming year, with the board deciding when to rest.
The series against South Africa starts with the first ODI on March 18 at Centurion.
Durban and Port Elizabeth will also host one test match each.
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Members of the Bangladesh ODI squad have already left for the series.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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