Shakib affair turned messy
What could have been a simple incident turned into a messy affair with the inclusion of Bangladesh's premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan for the tour of New Zealand.
Shakib was included in Bangladesh's 18-man squad for tour in January, which features two Tests, despite verbally communicating his unavailability. According to sources, he responded to the selectors' query by responding that he would not be available for the tour. But the Minhajul Abedin-led selection panel still included the all-rounder.
While the BCB announced the squad through a media release yesterday, its president Nazmul Hassan informed reporters of Shakib's unwillingness to tour.
"Shakib verbally informed us that he would be unavailable for the New Zealand series. But he did not give anything written yet. Only when he gives a written application will we know why he doesn't want to go," the president said.
Shakib, however, was quick to send a written plea to the board.
"With due respect, I, Shakib Al Hasan, would like to state that I am unable to go to New Zealand for the upcoming Test series due to unavoidable family reasons. I am really sorry to make myself unavailable, but I have no other option. My commitment to Bangladesh cricket and the Bangladesh cricket team is one hundred per cent and I hope to return to the fold for the next series. I hope you will understand my position and allow me to skip the New Zealand tour," Shakib wrote in his letter.
Meanwhile, young Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who made his debut in the ongoing second Test against Pakistan, was kept alongside Naim Sheikh.
Three players from the existing 20-member squad for the second Test against Pakistan were dropped for the New Zealand tour. Opener Saif Hasan has already been ruled out after he suffered from typhoid while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja were the two others to be dropped without even playing a game against Pakistan.
Young left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam also returned to the side after recovering from injury while pacer Taskin Ahmed also made it into the squad after missing both Tests against Pakistan due to injury.
Bangladesh will board a flight for New Zealand on December 9 and take part in two warm-up matches following the mandatory seven-day quarantine.
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