Picture Credit: X
With speculations surrounding veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chief Selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu recently dropped a big statement on his availability. Speaking with media, Gazi Ashraf confirmed that the 37-year-old will be available for all the Test series for the national team this year.
It is to be noted that the BCB Chief Selector’s statement comes after the side named a 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series, which includes Shakib Al Hasan also. "We have eight Tests scheduled this year, which will conclude in the West Indies in December. He [Shakib] will be available for all of them,” he said as quoted by The Daily Star.
Gazi Ashraf further went on to reveal the conversation he had with the veteran cricket after Bangladesh’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 in July. “I spoke with Shakib probably at the end of July and there were discussions regarding his fitness. During the Zimbabwe series [in May], we [selectors] wanted to know his short-term plan as we have a lot of Test matches lined up till December, eight in total. He had assured us that he would be available. But in the current scenario, I had to ask him again,” Lipu further added.
Shakib was also a political figure: Gazi Ashraf on veteran cricketer amid political unrest in Bangladesh
It is to be noted that Shakib Al Hasan has had close alliance with the ruling political part, the Awami League. However, the ruling party has been amid a chaos after the protest carried in the South Asian country over the quota reservation. However, Shakib was a member of the Awami League government, but he has been back in cricket, thus leading to speculations on his participation in cricketing assignments.
However, the BCB Chief Selector vouched Shakib’s political influence, but also confirmed that his selection is solely based on merit. "Outside of sports, he was also a political figure. But he was selected because of his merit. We have considered his talent. In the future too, we will continue to value merit,” Lipu added.
It is to be noted that Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in a two-match Test series, starting August 21. While the first Test is scheduled to be played from August 21 to August 25 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, the second will commence on August 30 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
