In yet another dramatic turn of events, all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan is going to South Africa to play the ODI and the Test series as he changed his decision after a meeting with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president and the board members on Saturday noon.
Shakib is leaving Dhaka for Johannesburg today (Sunday) to join the team as the ODI series will begin from March 18.
It is a U-turn from Shakib Al Hassan. Before going to Dubai on Sunday (March 13), the prolific all-rounder told the media that he was both physically and mentally exhausted and was not in a position to play now. However, he was positive to BCB president during a T-20 match against Afghanistan in Chattogram about the South Africa tour.
Shakib didn’t give BCB any indication of such a state of mind that he was unfit to play when BCB president Nazmul Hassan talked to him about the South Africa tour. So, he was initially named in the squads of ODI and Test series.
But, suddenly, three days later, he said that he wanted a break from international cricket.
Then the situation turned into jeopardy. People of sports arena were talking about Shakib Al Hassan whether he would go to South Africa or not.
All the whispering came to an end when BCB finally granted Shakib a rest until April 30.
Now, with the latest development, the scenario has totally changed as Shakib has decided to play and ensured about his availability for South Africa tour.
Shakib, after having a meeting with the BCB on Saturday, in a joint press conference with BCB chief Nazmul Hassan Papon and other board members, said, “I talked to Papon Bhai (BCB president Nazmul Hassan) for the last two days and planned the whole year. I am available for all three formats and for the SA series as well.”
BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon, who addressed yesterday (Saturday) to media in the press conference, described the whole situation of last few days. He said, “During his personal tour in Dubai, he (Shakib) talked to me. He told me that he would meet me and settle everything after his return.”
“After returning from Dubai he came to my home. We met and talked. I told him to think very calmly, then we met again on Friday and then today (Saturday) also we sat with our total plan, Papon revealed.
“If anyone doesn’t want to play any format he should give a prior notice. If they announce it at the last moment it will be problematic for us. We talked about the whole programme and then he gave his decision, now he will disclose everything to you,” the BCB president said.
Nazmul Hassan replying to a query again said that Shakib decided to be available.
“Shakib is available for all the formats for the South Africa tour. He will travel to South Africa tomorrow (Sunday). If he misses any match during the series, please accept it. It is the most important thing that he wants to play for Bangladesh and we should support the spirit,” said Nazmul Hassan.
