Shakib Al Hasan decides to stay back for IPL instead of joining Bangladesh camp for Ireland tri-series

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t got to play much cricket of late. While a finger injury put him out of an away series against New Zealand, he also hasn’t been able to earn a regular berth in the star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) playing XI in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The 32-year-old has played in just one game this IPL but has decided to stay back for the tournament instead of joining the Bangladesh team for a preparatory camp ahead of the tri-series in Ireland starting May 5.

The Bangladesh Test and T20I captain was supposed to join the national team’s camp as a part of the run-up to the ICC World Cup starting May 30 but has decided to stay back in India for the IPL since a number of overseas players will start leaving for their respective countries’ preparation for the WC, leading to openings in the SRH ranks. Shakib hopes to make regular appearances for the Sunrisers at the business end of the tournament. SRH is currently ranked fourth in the points table with 10 points from nine games and still has five matches to play in the league stage.

Shakib gets permission from BCB

As per a report in Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier sent a letter to Shakib informing him about the camp. He first confirmed his participation but later changed his mind as more openings started appearing in the SRH ranks. The cricketer also sought the board’s permission about the same and was granted the same. BCB operations chairman Akram Khan said Shakib will stay back in India and continue playing in the IPL which will conclude on May 12.

“Shakib was expected to arrive on April 23 but now that is not happening. He has informed us that as someone had left from the Sunrisers [set-up] there is a chance that he might play and so he wanted to stay back,” Khan was quoted as saying.

“We have given him the permission as we believe if he can play it will always be good for him leading up to the tri-nation in Ireland.”

The four overseas slots in the SRH’s playing XI have remained booked in the names of openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, captain Kane Williamson and spinner Rashid Khan. Bairstow is set to leave soon to attend his own national duties which have made Shakib hopeful about getting a few more games towards the end.

[interaction id=”5cbd69446fdf9a4c0be42c9d”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.