Mushfiqur Rahim not happy with Shakib's decision to take a break from Tests

Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim is not pleased with Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to take a break from the longest format of the game. Last week, the all-rounder had requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to allow him time off from Test cricket to come back fresh and the board obliged to his request by not picking him in the squad for South Africa tour. Shakib has been a vital cog of the team and they will surely miss him in the tough Africa safari.

The all-rounder was exceptional in the recently concluded Test series against Australia at home. He also received the Man of the Match award for his excellent all-round performance in his team’s historic win over the visitors in the first match. Though, the left-hander now wants to manage his workload across formats and hence has taken a break from Test cricket.

I respect his decision

Mushfiqur was not happy after hearing the decision of his teammate but also said that he respects it. “Obviously I am not happy, being the captain of the side. But as he asked for a break to have some rest from his workload, that’s his personal decision which I also respect,” Mushfiqur told The Daily Star on Monday.

He also added that Shakib is irreplaceable and he will be missed badly in South Africa. Rahim welcomed the inclusion of Mahmudullah Riyad in the Test squad. “At the same time, if he was injured we would have had to play without him, so that’s part of life. The inclusion of Riyad Bhai will add some experience to our side as he is a very seasoned campaigner for us. But still I would say Shakib is Shakib, and we are going to miss him badly,” he added.

As per the schedule, Bangladesh Test squad is set to fly to South Africa on Thursday where they will play a 2-match Test series after which the two teams engage in a limited-overs series as well.