ZCZC
BSP-13
CRICKET-SHAKIB-BCB
Fitness key in Shakib’s return for Tigers’ SL tour
DHAKA, Aug 12, 2020 (BSS)—The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to decide on whether the ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s will be included to the Sri Lanka bound Bangladesh team.
Shakib’s return to International cricket from his suspension coincides Bangladesh’s Sri Lanka tour in which they would play a three-match Test series and as many T20 Internationals in October-November. The T20 series however is yet to be finalized.
Shakib’s ban due to his failure to report the corrupt approaches of the bookies will be ended on October 29. It is unlikely that he could make a comeback in Test series but it is possible he may be available for T20 series, which will be in November if it is finalised.
The premier all-rounder who is in the USA with his family is set to return to the country in the last week of August and reportedly will start practice in the first week of September at BKSP in a bid to regain his fitness.
“Shakib is obviously an important player for us and his inclusion always adds strength to the squad,” BCB Cricket Operations Chairman Akram Khan said here today.
“But we are yet to decide on his issue. We have discussed his possible return but we are yet to know how it will happen. We have to talk to the BCB president, coaches and selectors,” he added.
Akram said the coaching staff will be in Bangladesh in the first week of September since they have decided to start conditioning camp for Sri Lanka in mid-September.
Akram raised the point of Shakib’s fitness and lack of match fitness, which could hinder his return immediately.
“I don’t know whether ICC will allow him to practice with the team because his ban ends on October 29. Then there is a match practice issue. Those were the things that we have to discuss elaborately.”
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo also was cautious about Shakib’s fitness.
“He [Shakib] has to make sure he is fit and that he starts hitting balls and bowling some balls. Once we assemble before heading off to Sri Lanka, when that tour is confirmed, we will get closer to making a decision,’ Domingo told a cricket website.
“There’s still a while to go. It is only August now. His ban finishes in two and a half months. When he is fit and available, we will cross that bridge’, he added.
“It is very difficult to get into international cricket without any sort of cricket. I think we need to try to find some opportunities for him to play some games. He is a world-class player so I am sure he will get back into it pretty soon,’ said the head coach.
BSS/SMP/AU/18:38 hrs