Shakib Al Hasan doubtful for Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, has become doubtful for the upcoming tour of New Zealand due to injury concerns and personal reasons. The veteran made his comeback to competitive cricket, playing for the Mahmudullah-led Gemcon Khulna in the inaugural Bangabandhu T20 Cup. He didn’t play the final against Gazi Group Chattogram after he went back to the USA.

Recently, he forayed back into international cricket after September 2019 with the three-match ODI series against West Indies. But on Monday, January 25, the Magura-born developed a groin niggle during the Tigers’ third and final ODI against the Caribbean team. He was seen limping and he was unable to complete his quota of 10 overs during the visiting team’s run-chase.

Shakib Al Hasan to become a father for the third time

Speaking on the injury, Shakib stated that he would be waiting for at least a day before making an assessment, but he admitted that “it doesn’t look very good at the moment”. As per reports, it has also been learned that he could miss the series to attend the birth of his third child. A few weeks ago, Shakib posted a picture where he was seen, kissing his wife Umme Shishir’s baby bump.

Last year, Shakib became father to a second child when he was in the USA with his wife during the peak times of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that point in time, he was also serving the one-year ban imposed on him by the ICC for not being able to report corrupt approaches. He also didn’t play in the 2019-20 Bangladesh Premier League and the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League.

On his international return, the 33-year-old Shakib picked four wickets against the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. In the third ODI that Bangladesh won by 120 runs, the left-arm spinner bowled only 4.5 overs. In three matches, he also scored 113 runs at an average of 56.50 with a top score of 51 to his name.

The Tigers’ tour of New Zealand starts on Saturday, March 13 with the first ODI at the University Oval in Dunedin. The three-match T20Is starts on Tuesday, March 23 with the opening game at the McLean Park in Napier.