Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka BCB selectors to discuss Shakib Al Hasan’s inclusion

Shakib Al Hasan 

By Bipin Dani 

Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s fate for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be discussed early next week, it is learnt here. 

According to the sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the selectors are set to meet on Tuesday (first time in the last five months) and will discuss the composition of the preliminary squad of 20 players for the three Tests to be played in Sri Lanka in October-November.

“The final squad will only be announced in Sri Lanka,” one of the sources, speaking exclusively said. Apparently, this decision is to confirm the test results for coronavirus of all selected players. 

The selectors will also discuss with the team management whether to include Shakib for the second and third Tests. 

Shakib’s one year ICC ban (for not disclosing the approach) ends on September 29. “Till then he cannot use the BCB and the SLC facilities for training but selectors can certainly include him for the remaining two Tests,” one of the officials said.  

Few in Bangladesh certainly want experienced Shakib to join the tour for the last two Tests. Selectors are also likely to seek coach Russell Domingo’s inputs at a later stage. Domingo will be reaching Bangladesh on September 2. 

Under the watchful eyes of Nazmul Abedin Fahim and Mohammad Salahuddin, he will train at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), which is the country’s largest sporting institute.