Bangladesh will enlist the services of Shakib Al Hasan who has opted not to rest for the all-important tour. The all-rounder travels to the Rainbow Nation on Sunday.
Shakib Al Hasan travels to South Africa on Sunday (AFP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Shakib Al Hasan travels to South Africa on Sunday
- Shakib had initially asked for calm and withdrew from the tour
- Bangladesh plays 3 ODIs and 2 Tests in South Africa
Days after the Bangladesh Cricket Board said Shakib Al Hasan would not be available until April, the all-rounder made himself available for the tour of South Africa from March 18.
Bangladesh play South Africa in three one-day internationals starting Friday and a two-Test series beginning on March 31.
The BCB had said earlier this week that Shakib had not been included in the squad as he had submitted a request to rest.
“I’ve been speaking to (BCB President Nazmul Hassan) for the past two days as we plan the full year. I’m available for all three formats,” Shakib said on Saturday.
“The board will decide when I will be given rest, that includes the South Africa series. I’m available for the series.”
SHAKIB TRAVEL ON SUNDAY TO SA
BCB boss Nazmul Hasan, who was also present at a press conference with Shakib, said the board had granted Shakib leave after the all-rounder said he didn’t want to go to South Africa, adding that the star player was struggling to catch up Ghost.
Shakib had spoken of taking a break after recently ending white ball streak with Afghanistan.
“(Shakib) told us he doesn’t want to go to South Africa,” Hassan said. “We put him on leave, which was later revealed to the media. Then the day before yesterday he told me that he was mentally tired. This can happen to anyone at any time.
“He struggled to make up his mind, so we supported him during that time. The board is always with them (the players).
“He will travel to South Africa tomorrow. If he misses a game in this series, please accept that. He wants to play. That’s the most important thing.”
Shakib also did not play in the two Test series in New Zealand in January. His last test was against Pakistan in December.
