Will of course play against SL: Shakib

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan confirmed that he will be playing in Bangladesh’s two-Test home series against Sri Lanka next month on Wednesday.

Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the white kit in December, when Bangladesh played Pakistan at home. Since then, Bangladesh have played four Tests, but the ace all-rounder participated in none due to personal reasons.

Shakib, after arriving in Bangladesh on Wednesday, confirmed there that he will play in the Sri Lanka series.

“Yes (I will play in the SL series). I don’t think there was any doubt regarding that. If there is something important, then it’s a different thing. But I will of course play in that series if I stay fit,” he said at the Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport.

Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the three-match One-Day International series against South Africa, which the Tigers won 2-1. He was supposed to play in the Test series but had to return as his family members were ill.

He had also missed Bangladesh’s two-match Test series in New Zealand earlier this year due to personal reasons.

Shakib recently opted to play for Legends of Rupganj in the super league of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, after Mohammedan SC, the side he initially signed for, failed to qualify.

Shakib said that the decision was taken in an hour, and it was to get some time on the field before the series against Sri Lanka.

“I decided to join (Legends of Rupganj) within an hour. I thought my preparation would be good for the Sri Lanka series if I could get some matches beforehand.

“I have had a gap of around a month from cricket. Playing four matches will be of great help.” Shakib said.