Shakib Al Hasan opts out of Sri Lanka Tests

In a recent turn of events, Shakib Al Hasan has opted out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Thursday, February 22. The decision comes after Shakib not being included in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Jalal Yunus, the cricket operation chairman of BCB, revealed that Shakib's absence extends to the Test series, part of the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. Despite a resurgence in form during the Bangladesh Premier League, where he scored 249 runs in 11 matches, Shakib seems to be taking a hiatus from international cricket.

"He (Shakib) wanted a break from the entire series against Sri Lanka as he didn't want to take part in international cricket. I think his eyes are fine at the moment but I feel he wants a break so that he can come back to international cricket fully fit," Yunus told Cricbuzz.

The series against Sri Lanka, featuring T20 Internationals, ODIs, and Tests, kicks off on March 4 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium with the T20I series opener.

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There are speculations that Shakib might participate in the upcoming Dhaka Premier League, scheduled from March 9, representing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to hone his batting skills before returning to the international arena.

Mahmudullah has got the power which, is what is needed in T20: Whatmore

In a related development, former Bangladesh head coach Dav Whatmore expressed confidence in Mahmudullah's T20I comeback. Mahmudullah, who last played a T20I in 2022, has been recalled for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka based on his performances in the World Cup and the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.

"I think he (Mahmudullah) has got the power which, is what needed in this format (T20)," Whatmore told Cricbuzz recently. "If you ask him, he will probably tell you that he wants to bat as high as possible. He certainly has the ability to clear the boundary and accelerate the run rate and so he could be used in couple of ways. I suppose he can bat high and make a big score or he can come later in the innings and accelerate and clear the boundaries," he said.

Mahmudullah's recent success, according to Whatmore, can be attributed to his improved technique, especially in keeping his head still while batting. The experienced campaigner's inclusion is seen as a blend of power and experience, providing a valuable asset to the Bangladesh T20I squad.

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"In any format I guess if you want to hit the ball you want to try to keep the head still, that's going to be a good idea. It's difficult for me to judge what he was doing earlier but certainly played pretty good innings for us in this 10th editions (of BPL)," said Whatmore.

"He has got the experience to do the finishers' role. It (T20) is a very athletic and volatile game but it also has a place for experience. I think so (he got couple of years in shorter format) but forms dictate everything," he added.