Shakib Al Hasan’s IPL 2021 participation in doubt; BCB could reconsider all-rounder’s NOC

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is likely to reconsider the No Objection Certificate (NOC) given to Shakib Al Hasan for the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier, Shakib stated that the BCB misinterpreted his letter for prioritising the IPL over playing the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, Nazmul Hasan Papon, the BCB chief, called an impromptu meeting at his residence. As per the letter, the Magura-born Shakib stated that he picked playing in the IPL in order to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India.

Akram Khan, the BCB Cricket Operation chairman, didn’t sound happy with Shakib’s statements. He added that the board will reconsider the clearance it gave to Shakib for the IPL.

Shakib Al Hasan at the loggerheads with BCB

“What does it imply? If someone is saying that I don’t want to tour Sri Lanka, where we have two Tests, to prepare for the World Cup then what does it actually mean?” Akram questioned.

“I heard that he said that I didn’t read his letter. Perhaps I misunderstood his letter. He wants to play Tests, from what he has said. In the next couple of days, we will discuss about his NOC. If he has interest, he will play Tests in Sri Lanka,” Akram was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

“I did not mention anywhere in my letter that I do not want to play Tests. I mentioned in my letter that I want to play in the IPL to prepare myself properly for World Cup (T20 World Cup) but despite that Akram bhai (BCB cricket operation chairman) has repeatedly said that I do not want to play Tests,” Shakib had said.

It’s also been learned that the who’s who of BCB were thinking of slapping Shakib with a ban or even banning him for his code of conduct. The board directors are due to have another meeting surrounding the matter.

The 2021 IPL is set to get underway on April 9. After missing the 2020 edition on account of being banned, Shakib was picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a price of INR 3.20 crores. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tests start on April 21.