Playing three formats is almost close to impossible now: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh’s ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan recently opened up in detail regarding his future in all three formats of the game. He was of the thought that the time has come for him to prioritize a format and that Test cricket won’t be much of his priority now. Shakib also added that he wishes to keep ODIs on his top list and would even avoid being part of those games which are not part of the Super League.

The all-rounder has already stepped out of Bangladesh’s Test series against New Zealand while citing personal reasons. His withdrawal from the series sparked a bit of controversy but he was granted leaves by the BCB. It has to be noted that the 34-year-old has been missing out on several series since 2017 and was even out of the international arena for one year due to a ban by ICC.

“I know which format to give importance or preference. The time has come for me to think about Test cricket. This is the fact: whether I will play Tests or not. And even if I do, how I will play the format. I also need to consider if I need to participate in ODIs where no points are at stake. I don’t have any other option,” said Shakib while speaking to Dhaka-based TV channel NTV.

Shakib didn’t emphasize retiring from the Test format but will be keen on prioritizing one of the formats from now on. He added that playing cricket in a pandemic is really difficult while being away from family for a long period of time.

Shakib Al Hasan opens up on trauma of prolonged stays in bio-bubble

“I am not saying I will retire from Tests. It might even happen that I stop playing T20Is after the 2022 T20 World Cup. I can play Tests and ODIs. But playing three formats is almost close to impossible. Playing two Tests in 40-42 days is not fruitful. It encourages one to play selectively. I will definitely plan well with BCB, and then go forward. It will be the smart thing to do. If it happens in January, I will know what I am doing for the rest of the year,” he added.

He was of the thought that bio-bubbles feel a lot like jail and being away from his three little children is affecting their growing up the process too. The cricketer will come up with a final plan while discussing well with the BCB.

“It was like life in a jail. It is not like the players roam around a lot during a series. But when you will know it mentally that you can’t go out even if you want to, that’s where the problem lies. New Zealand didn’t even send their U-19 team to the World Cup, thinking about mental health. Coronavirus isn’t going away easily. We have to find out a new way to survive this. I don’t think bio-bubble and quarantine is the best way. When you can’t meet your three little kids regularly, it becomes an unhealthy situation. It affects their growing up,” he concluded.