Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for India tour confirmed

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan faced immense criticism after the team’s poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023. He left the team early following a finger injury and joined political party, Awami League, to contest in the General Elections 2024. He was appointed as a Minister of Parliament but following massive political unrest in the country recently, the government was usurped, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing from the country.

Given Shakib’s involvement in the Awami League, the 37-year-old has invited more criticism and that’s likely to stop until he does well on the field. Bangladesh’s upcoming series against India holds massive importance for both Shakib and the Tigers. In recent times, they have turned out to be big rivals, leading to multiple social media battles, especially after Bangladesh's win over India in the 2022 ODI series.

Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, one of the directors of Bangladesh cricket, confirmed that Shakib will be available for the entire series against India, which includes two Tests and five T20Is. He, however, clarified that his participation is not locked in as it would depend on Shakib’s fitness. The all-rounder hasn’t played enough Test cricket in recent times and it needs to be seen how he feels after the ongoing Test series against Pakistan.

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“For the India tour, Shakib will surely be there for the Tests. Besides, he hasn't played enough Test matches... while he himself has said he's available. He'll be considered for the T20I leg too, though it also depends on how his body copes with the rigours of the formats, based on which the selectors will decide,” Fahim told The Telegraph. “Nonetheless, he's available for all the coming series, provided he's fit. And it's quite obvious that he fits into the team."

Shakib would be eager to jump on the plane to India as he has the perfect opportunity to turn the tide with his performance.