Shakib wants to play matches for MSC but ...

Bangladesh's Test and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed his desire on Saturday to play as many matches as possible for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the upcoming Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL), starting from March 15.

The all-rounder, however, also reminded the reality regarding his availability for the country's premier 50-over competition. 

Shakib could not represent the Black and Whites in the last season following his side's exit after first phase as the cricketer was busy with the national team's tour of South Africa and was later out of cricket for a few days due to a family crisis.

The premier all-rounder later played for Legends of Rupganj in the remaining matches of the league. 

The scenario may not be so different this season as well as Shakib will be busy with home series against Ireland, starting from March 18 and then travel to Ireland for a three-match ODI series followed by four T20Is. 

On the other hand, the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to start from March 31 and Shakib was picked up by two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for this season. 

"I will try to play for Mohammedan but you know I have national team commitment and there is IPL. Still, I will try to play as many matches as possible and accompany the team," Shakib told the reporters after a meeting with the club officials at a hotel in the capital today.

"We could not make it to the Super League as a number of players failed to feature for the side due to their national commitment. Hopefully we can play as a team in this season and fulfil the long-awaited dream of the club," he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan announced that Imrul Kayes will lead the team this season. 

Imrul has a very good record as a captain in the domestic circuit as he recently led Comilla Victorians to BPL glory. "I am honoured as Mohammedan picked me as a captain of the team. I will try my best to make Mohammedan champion in this season."