'I think he is mentally disturbed' - BCB President on Shakib Al Hasan's request for break from international cricket

Shakib Al Hasan’s request of break from international cricket hasn’t gone down well with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan. Citing mental and physical fatigue, Shakib, on Sunday, expressed doubts over touring South Africa later this month. The veteran all-rounder stated that he’s feeling burdened amid regular international cricket, and that a break would help him to rejuvenate.

Reacting to the same, the BCB boss said he’s surprised with Shakib’s request as the former Bangladesh captain had ‘promised’ to play against South Africa. Notably, the southpaw had initially planned to skip the two-match Test series in South Africa amid an expected assignment in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He anyway was ready to feature in the preceding three-match ODI series.

As Shakib went unsold in the mega auction, he was expected to make himself available for the Test leg as well. However, he expressed the need for a break from international cricket. Reacting to the same, the BCB boss has quested the veteran’s commitment towards the national team, saying he wouldn’t have made such complaints had he bagged an IPL deal.

Would Shakib Al Hasan have asked for break if he was picked in IPL?: BCB President

“Would he (Shakib) have said the same thing if he was picked in the IPL? Would he have said that he is mentally exhausted? If he not willing to play please tell us but it becomes difficult if he informs us at the last minute, then it becomes a problem. We made the plan for South Africa keeping him in mind and now when he says things it does hamper our planning,” Nazmul was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“Members of the coaching staff and the team management are not sure what is happening. It is surprising, to be honest. I don’t know what he is saying now, but his last conversation with me was in Chattogram where he said he would play, and that’s all I know,” he added.

Nazmul further added that Shakib is ‘mentally disturbed’ if he’s not enjoying the success of the national team. “I think he is mentally disturbed. What I feel is why won’t he enjoy playing against Afghanistan because we had beaten them and if any cricketer is not enjoying the success of his team, then it is a big problem,” said Hasan further.