Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has asked Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to give him a break of 6 months from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa.
BCB was about to announce their squad on Monday for the South Africa tour comprising two Tests, 3 ODIs, and 2 T20Is, starting on September 28.
According to the reports of AFP, BCB spokesman, Jalal Yunus said, “Shakib has handed a letter to the board, seeking a break from Test cricket. He said he will be available for other formats during this period but he needed this break from Test cricket to refresh his body. We haven’t yet made any decision regarding his request. BCB president (Nazmul Hasan) will make the final decision.”
If the BCB accepts Shakib’s request, he will also miss the Test series against Sri Lanka at home in December-January. He was the star performer in Bangladesh’s first Test win over Australia last month as he bagged 10 wickets and amassed 84 runs.
Shakib’s request for the Test break might be due to the concerns over player fatigue, as well as criticism that players are prioritising earning money over representing their countries. He also plays franchise-based T20 leagues around the world, and earned $712,000 from 4 T20 leagues in 2016, according to Bangladesh’s Daily Star.
