Bangladesh Tour of SA: In a big turnaround of events, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has opted to travel to South Africa to play the three-match ODI series and two-match Test series that is set to begin next week. Shakib had earlier opted out of the upcoming series, citing mental stress and fatigue and the Bangladesh Cricket Board had granted him rest until April 30. But the all-rounder has now made a U-Turn to his decision. Follow InsideSport.IN for more updates.
Bangladesh Tour of SA: Another BIG TWIST in tale, Shakib Al Hasan makes U-TURN, to tour South Africa after being rested
JUST IN: Shakib Al Hasan has said he will be going to South Africa, days after he was rested from the tour #SAvBAN pic.twitter.com/xW28KYwEL3
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2022
Shakib had earlier been named in both the Test and the ODI squad but last week pulled out of the tour saying,“Considering my mental and physical state, I don’t think I can play so much international cricket. If I get a break, if I get my interest back, I can play with more ease. I was like a passenger in the Afghanistan series, which is never desirable. I didn’t enjoy the ODIs and T20Is. I don’t think I should be on the South Africa tour with such a mentality. I want to meet everyone’s expectations when I am playing.”
His decision was severely criticized by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan Papon, who questioned his for the national team. Shakib is now said to have taken this decision to play in the series after discussing with the BCB President. Speaking in a press conference on Saturday, Shakib said “I spoke to [BCB president Nazmul Hassan] Papon bhai for the last two days, when we planned the entire year. I am available for all three formats. The board will decide when to give me rest, that includes the South Africa series. I am available for the SA series,” as quoted by Cricinfo.
The 35-year old is now expected to start from Dhaka on Sunday and is expected to play the first ODI that begins on 18th March, Friday. Bangladesh will play three ODIs against South Africa on March 18, 20 and 23, as well as two Tests from March 31 to April 8
Bangladesh Tour of SA: Another BIG TWIST in tale, Shakib Al Hasan makes U-TURN, to tour South Africa after being rested
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