Shakib Al Hasan already missed the season opener for KKR against Punjab Kings last weekend
Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, allegedly told his IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday that he would be unavailable for the duration of the current season due to personal and international obligations. The KKR are currently looking for an all-around player to replace him.
Shakib has opted out of the IPL 2023 due to international obligations with the Bangladesh cricket squad, as well as personal reasons.
Shakib had already missed KKR’s season opener against Punjab Kings last weekend, as had wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who was acquired by the franchise in the December auction for a base fee of 50 lakh.
Shakib was expected to be eligible for selection following the conclusion of the T20I series against Ireland at home on March 31.
However, because he was selected for the one-off Test against Ireland (April 4-8), the star Bangladeshi would have joined the KKR team by April 9.
Shakib’s time with KKR would have been limited to three weeks, from April 9 to May 1.
Bangladesh will also travel to Ireland for a three-match One-Day International series at Chelmsford on May 9, 12, and 14.
However, there has been no update or clarification regarding Das’ involvement in the IPL.
The other overseas players for KKR, who are already missing regular skipper Shreyas Iyer this IPL, are David Wiese, Locke Ferguson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Tim Southee.
After losing their first game, a seven-run loss to Punjab Kings in Mohali via the DLS method, Kolkata Knight Riders will face an uphill task against a formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens on April 6.
