No point in boycotting IPL or any other leagues: Shakib

Despite being in prolific form in the last season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was left unpicked in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). And that irked many Bangladeshi fans. 

Shakib Al Hasan, along with Bangladesh actor Shakib Khan, attended a program in the United States on Friday where the duo interacted with the Bangladeshi expats. Asked by a fan if he will take part in the next edition of the IPL if he gets picked in the draft, Shakib replied, "Look there's less room for emotion as you can't consider everything with emotions. IPL is such a platform where players from all over the world want to play the tournament. Playing here (IPL) is always a great opportunity for the players and the experience you gain playing there is a big thing."

Shakib explained how IPL has helped him transform into a better player even at times when he had to warm the bench. 

"I didn't play games ahead of the 2019 World Cup and I had to sit on the bench for the entire one and half months," Shakib talked about his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019. 

"But while staying there, I learned how to become the best in the world by watching the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Rashid Khan, David Warner, Kane Williamson and others. Just by being in the same team as them, I realised why they rule the world cricket and had I not been in IPL, I would not have known that.

"I am trying to reach that level and I think IPL helped me a lot and I got the result during the 2019 World Cup. Whether it's the IPL or CPL, it's very important and the amount of experience I gain eventually benefits Bangladesh cricket. Not just IPL there is no point to boycott any leagues," he said. 

Shakib, who is currently on a leave from Bangladesh's ongoing tour of Zimbabwe, also said that there is always something new to learn and it won't be wise to miss any opportunity.