All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has decided to tour South Africa after a dramatic chain of events.
The decision unfolded after his meeting with Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan earlier on Saturday.
Shakib and Nazmul Hassan came out after the meeting to confirm their decision.
Shakib announced in a joint press conference with Nazmul Hassan, “We, I and Papon bhai (Nazmul Hassan) with the board, have discussed many things over the last three days. We have now finalized a year-long plan. Since I’m contracted to play all three formats, I will be available for the same. The board will decide when it’s required to rest me, and I’m also available from this South Africa tour.’’
Shakib will leave for South Africa on Sunday to join the ODI squad, which will play their first match on March 18.
Nazmul Hassan explained the chain of events and said that Shakib assured would finalize his decision after talking with him (Nazmul Hassan).
“I want to tell you too that Shakib wanted a leave a few days ago. After that, during the third ODI (against Afghanistan), he said he will play in South Africa. Now, while going to Dubai, Shakib told the media that he is not fit to play now. He called me from Dubai and told me that he would decide after coming back home,” Hassan said.
“Now after coming back from UAE, he discussed his situation with me. He is suffering from mental disturbance. However, he now told me that he wants to play in South Africa,” Hassan added.
Nazmul Hassan emphasized on the importance of supporting players suffering from mental or physical disturbances.
He explained, “Now if one skips a series, we should take it sportingly. It’s also a part of the game. It happens around the globe. We have to support Shakib as he is suffering from mental fatigue. We should remember that Shakib, Tamim, Mashrafe, Mushfqur, Riyad did a lot for the country. So we have to stand by them.”
“Shakib is available for all the formats for the South Africa tour. He will travel to South Africa tomorrow. If he skips a match in this series, please accept it. He wants to play. That is the most important thing,” he added.
