The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made Shakib Al Hasan’s return to the national squad for the Champions Trophy a key priority.
The tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9, might see the star all-rounder return to the national team after a long hiatus. During a media event on January 3, BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed the board’s goal, revealing that discussions are underway to assure Shakib’s participation.
“We will try to include Shakib Al Hasan in the Champions Trophy squad,” he said. “A final decision will be taken at the BPL. Shakib is a tremendous addition to our cricket team, and we intend to field the finest possible team for the competition.”
Since Bangladesh’s Test series against South Africa last year, Shakib has not played for his country. He had intended to retire from Test cricket following a last game at home, but political unrest in Bangladesh stopped him from going back.
He was also excluded from the current Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and later series against Afghanistan and the West Indies due to the circumstance. During Bangladesh’s Test series against India, Shakib declared his retirement from Twenty20 cricket, but he stated that he still wanted to play in One-Day Internationals.
“His intention to retire from Test cricket by playing his final match in Bangladesh was clear, but external circumstances delayed his return,” Faruque said in acknowledgment of this. We still aim to include him in the Champions Trophy team in spite of this.
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy captain has been announced to be Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who just gave up his T20 captaincy.
The BCB extended Shanto’s leadership for the international competition even though his term as ODI captain was scheduled to expire in December. Faruque said, “Shanto is still our captain for the Champions Trophy even if he missed the last series because of an injury. There is no justification for changing that plan.
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy captain has been announced to be Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who just gave up his T20 captaincy.
The BCB is also preparing talks with the government to resolve any security issues that might surface during the Champions Trophy, as Shakib’s homecoming becomes a focal point. “We will confer with the ministry on Shakib’s inclusion,” Faruque continued. His background could be very helpful for this esteemed competition.
Source: The Business Standard
