Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to play ODI series against Afghanistan: BCB president Faruque Ahmed

The BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) president Faruque Ahmed mentioned that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to feature in the impending three-match ODI series versus Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Faruque asserted that it was Shakib's decision to skip the Afghanistan ODIs. The former Bangladesh cricketer opined that Shakib should be given some time to regroup after he couldn't play what was supposed to be his farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa earlier this month.

Shakib has been out of competitive cricket for nearly a month since the second Test in India and it is expected he will feature in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for Bangla Tigers to get some match practice ahead of the tour of the West Indies.

Bangladesh will play three ODIs on November 6, 9, and 11 before travelling to the Caribbean islands to take on the West Indies in a multi-format series (two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is). Shakib has drawn the curtains on his Test and T20I careers and will only be in action during the ODI leg of the tour. The 37-year-old will also play a key role for the Bangla Tigers in the Champions Trophy next year. His last ODI appearance came in the World Cup last year in India.

"After Shakib couldn't come to play his (farewell) Test, he wasn't doing much practice. I think he needs some time to regroup. We haven't taken a final decision but he looks unlikely to play the next series (against Afghanistan). He is likely to miss the series. He could be playing a T10 tournament soon. I feel he can still play for Bangladesh in the 50-over format. There are three ODIs against West Indies before the Champions Trophy," Faruque said at a press conference on Thursday.

We will consider him if the selection committee thinks that he can still deliver by training or playing tournaments abroad: Faruque Ahmed

Faruque, however, said if the selectors feel that Shakib will get adequate preparation by playing franchise cricket, he will be considered for selection in the remaining ODIs this season.

"Shakib has played for 17 years and he is part of the generation that plays a lot of franchise cricket. They know the drill. They play, sleep maybe a few hours and turn up for training. So he is geared for such situations," Faruque said.

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"It is the definitely the best possible thing to train with the team but we will consider him if the selection committee thinks that he can still deliver by training or playing tournaments abroad," he added.