‘I am eager to play international leagues’

Bangladesh speedster Taskin Ahmed on Wednesday said that he is eager to play in different leagues around the world after the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided not to release him to play for English County side Yorkshire. 

Taskin, who is recovering from a side strain injury, is going through rehabilitation and eyeing to feature in Bangladesh's one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium starting on June 14.

But his inclusion in the best eleven is still in doubt despite the BCB including him in the 15-member squad for the match.

"Every player wants to play leagues worldwide but we also need to think about national commitments since I play all three formats for Bangladesh. But yes it feels bad if I am not able to go in my free time. Sometimes it feels bad not to play leagues worldwide and I am eager to play international leagues for my personal achievements in future," Taskin told the reporters in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old confirmed on Wednesday that he got an offer to play for Yorkshire but revealed that upon discussion with him, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and the board decided not to let him go.

"I got a proposal from Yorkshire and they wanted me to play for a long season. I have talked to the coach and the board. After considering everything, they decided not to release me for the longer version games. As a player, it feels good to know that the board has plans for me for the future," he said.

Taskin's inclusion in the Test is still in doubt and according to BCB's chief physician, Dr Debashish Chowdhury, the pacer will be declared fit to play only when he can take the desired workload. 

However, Taskin seemed confident to recover before the Test and acknowledged Afghanistan's quality despite the visitors opting to rest legs-spinner Rashid Khan. 

"By the grace of the almighty, I am doing well as I am training and preparing for the Test match. If the almighty keeps me fit, I feel I will be ready to play. Afghanistan is doing well in world cricket and they have some players doing well in various leagues worldwide. But if we can play our best cricket, I am confident of doing well," Taskin said.