The chief selector for Bangladesh, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, declared on Monday that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is fit to play in every Test match in 2024. After the two-match Test series against Pakistan, Bangladesh will play eight more Test matches for the rest of the year. Bangladesh’s two-match Test series against South Africa, the West Indies, and India are slated to begin after the Pakistan series.
Shakib had previously made it clear that he was only aiming to play till the two-match Test series against Pakistan and had not yet decided whether to play against India. However, Ashraf begs to differ.
Most likely at the end of July, Shakib and I had a conversation about his fitness. We wanted to know what his immediate plans were throughout the Zimbabwe series. Eight Test matches are scheduled for December, so we have a full program. Before every series, he gave us his word that he would play every Test and show up to every practise. Around August 14 or 15, he is anticipated to join the team, Ashraf said media on Monday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Considering that Shakib participated in just four of the eight Test matches that Bangladesh had played in the previous two years, there was debate over his selection. In addition, the star all-rounder from Canada will join the team after participating in the Global T20 League, while his colleagues have been practicing with red balls at home. Additionally, he has experienced problems with his eye ailments, raising questions about whether or not he was being selected as an all-rounder.
“Our medical staff hasn’t updated me on anything about his eyes. I still believe that Shakib is one of the top all-around players in the world and has been for the last twenty-five (15) years. I can’t bring myself to think of him as a bowler alone,” he declared.
“From our perspective, one selection consideration was whether or not he would be available for all of the practice sessions prior to the series. It was our intention to travel [to Pakistan] a little later. He’ll likely arrive at the side on the fourteenth or fifteenth and work out with the squad,” he remarked.
As a result of the upheaval in the nation, Ashraf said, Shakib has security concerns as well because he is actively involved in politics and was elected to the parliament under the Awami League flag in the most recent general election.On August 5, upon her departure from the nation, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister, dissolved the parliament. Because of this, there were rumors about his ability to go back home following the recent attacks on a number of ruling party lawmakers.
“Every player and official faces security risks during practice sessions. Given the current situation, it is imperative to make sure of that, as Shakib is a highly influential player in Bangladesh. Because he is a political figure, we had to consider a lot of factors when making our choices. However, his talent led to his selection.
We have been honest about his talent, as we do with every player, and we will continue to do so if we remain on the selection panel,” Ashraf stated.
