Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan decides to participate in the remaining matches of Dhaka Premier League, the country’s domestic tournament, from Legends of Rupganj to prepare for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.
Legends chairman Lutfur Rahman Badal confirmed the news to Cricbuzz on Tuesday that also ends the debate about his participation in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting from May 15.
Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan decides to participate in the remaining matches of Dhaka Premier League, the country’s domestic tournament, from Legends of Rupganj to prepare for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.
Initially, the 35-year-old had played from the traditional Mohammedan Sporting Club which failed to reach the Super Six stage after the end of the group phase. He then got the clearance to feature in DPL for the Legends, who are currently at the second spot on the points table with 16 points from the 11 matches.
“He will be available from our next game. It is not due to our league standing (that I am picking him) but the relationship I have with him and he wanted to play (to get some match practice) as he has some (international) matches lined up,”
Badal said.
Shakib told the press after reaching Dhaka on Wednesday that he didn’t think that was any confusion about his participation in the DPL, adding that these four matches are beneficial for him to prepare for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
“I don’t think there was any doubt about it (taking part in the Sri Lanka series). If there was an emergency it would be a different thing. Of course, I will play the series against Sri Lanka if I am fit,”
said Shakib.
“I took the decision of playing in the DPL suddenly probably in one hour. As there is a chance and the Sri Lanka series is ahead if I can play a couple of matches it will be better for me to prepare for the Sri Lanka series.
“There is a gap. I did not play cricket for a month time so these four matches (of DPL) gives me the chance to return to competitive cricket. So I took this opportunity,”
he added.
Shakib has not been in the International cricket for long since the ODI series against South Africa and had to withdraw from the series to return home following an emergency. The preparation camp for the home series will begin on May 8.
Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehedy Hasan joined the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the super league as they were released by MSC after they couldn’t feature in the group phase due to International commitments.
