Shakib Al Hasan is likely to miss the two-match series against Pakistan due to political unrest in Bangladesh. Bangladesh will visit Pakistan for red-ball games starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Shakib wanted to play the games and is currently participating in the Global T20 Canada. The Bangladesh Cricket Board gave him NOC until August 12 and expected him to return for the national team.
Shakib is the MP of the Awami League, the government that was recently removed due to the President’s rule following the Student protest. His return to Bangladesh is uncertain due to the ongoing problems.
It will be interesting to see whether his political affiliation will impact his place in the team.
“Before, it was about Shakib coming to Bangladesh or joining the team directly in Pakistan. He is playing cricket at the moment, but the format is different. There is a concern whether his body can handle the pressure of a five-day game,” a BCB official told The Daily Star.
The meeting between captain Najmul Shanto, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, and the selectors has been called off several times because of the unrest.
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