Bangladesh’s premier allrounder Shakib Al Hasan could opt out of the ODI series against South Africa as he eyes a short but crucial break from international cricket. Shakib said he could be back for the Tests later on the tour but right now, he needs a breather to physically and mentally recharge himself.
Bangladesh are due to play three ICC Super League games and two World Test Championship matches in South Africa from March 18 to April 12. The BCB selection panel named Shakib in both the squads after board president Nazmul Hasan claimed he is available for the entire tour following his absence from the list of purchased cricketers at the IPL 2022 mega auction.
However, two weeks before the first ball on tour, it has emerged that Shakib is feeling fatigued and is looking for a break from at least the ODI leg of the series. The experienced cricketer, who had a rare bad home series against Afghanistan in ODIs and T20Is, said he felt like a “passenger” playing those matches and needs to look after his mental health.
“Considering my mental and physical state, I don’t think I can play so much international cricket. If I get a break, if I get my interest back, I can play with more ease. I was like a passenger in the Afghanistan series, which is never desirable. I didn’t enjoy the ODIs and T20Is. I don’t think I should be in the South Africa tour with such a mentality,”
Shakib was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Shakib had earlier asked for a break from Tests to the BCB. Initially, the break was reported to be for six months. But the allrounder confirmed he was looking to take part in no Tests for the best part of the year till mid-November.
“I wanted to concentrate fully on white-ball cricket. We have two World Cups in the next two years,”
Shakib said, informing he has conveyed his thoughts to the senior BCB officials and is expecting them to respond positively in the coming days.
