Shakib Al Hasan Set To Play Pakistan Test Series in August Amidst Retirement Rumours

August 1, 2024 0 590

Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed his participation in the upcoming two-match home Test series against Pakistan.

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to participate in the upcoming two-match home Test series against Pakistan. Shakib’s international career has recently faced scrutiny due to injuries and inconsistent performances.

Currently, Shakib is leading the Bangla Tigers in the Global T20 Canada League, where they are ranked second on the points table. This league will continue until August 11. Meanwhile, the first test between Bangladesh and Pakistan is scheduled to start on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chairman of cricket operations Jalal Yunus confirmed Shakib’s interest in playing in the Test series. Shakib will practice for a few days before joining the squad.

“We spoke with Shakib, and he is available for the Pakistan series. If he doesn’t have time, he will leave directly from Dubai, or he might come to Dhaka to practice for a day or two before joining the team. He will be available for the Pakistan series,” Yunus told reporters.

Shakib has been active in the shortest format recently, participating in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2024 Major League Cricket, and the Global T20 Canada.

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Since the start of 2023, Bangladesh has played six Tests, with Shakib featuring in two. He played in the one-off Test against Ireland in 2023 and the second Test against Sri Lanka in March 2024. Shakib’s performances in the T20 World Cup were criticised, despite Bangladesh reaching the Super 8 stages. There were rumours about his potential retirement from at least one format, but for now, he remains a key player for the Bengal Tigers.

Bangladesh currently stands eighth in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. They also face a challenging tour of India after the Test series against Pakistan.