In a recent announcement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be absent from the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. BCB’s cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, disclosed that Shakib will not be available for the Test series and was not included in the white-ball squads for the tour.
Shakib’s absence comes amidst ongoing concerns about his eye condition, which has troubled him since last year’s World Cup. However, there have been signs of improvement during his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he amassed 249 runs in 11 matches. Despite his recent form, Shakib expressed his desire for a break from international cricket to ensure his full fitness upon return.
There is speculation that Shakib might feature in the upcoming Dhaka Premier League, scheduled to commence on March 9. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin with T20Is on March 4, followed by ODIs starting March 13. Notably, the Test series will coincide with the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
In light of Shakib’s absence, another veteran player, Mahmudullah, has made a comeback to the T20I side for the first time since 2022. Mahmudullah has showcased impressive form in the ongoing BPL season, scoring 218 runs in 11 matches at a striking rate of almost 138.
Former Bangladesh coach, Dave Whatmore, commended Mahmudullah’s power-hitting ability and suggested various batting roles for him in T20Is. Mahmudullah’s return adds depth and experience to Bangladesh’s T20I squad, offering versatility in batting line-up configurations.
Shakib’s decision to skip the Sri Lanka tour underscores the challenges faced by players in balancing their international commitments with the demands of domestic and franchise cricket. As Bangladesh prepares for their upcoming fixtures, Mahmudullah’s return brings renewed hope and excitement for fans eager to see their team perform on the international stage.
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