Shakib Al Hasan’s favorite moment of holidaying with his family in the US. Photo: Collected from Facebook
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed that he will play in the last three matches of the upcoming five-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe and two matches in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL) cricket Super League phase, putting an end to all speculations.
The country’s best all-rounder Shakib said that he discussed with the head coach, captain and chief selector of Bangladesh before deciding to play the last three matches of the series against Zimbabwe.
The left-handed cricketer will play the last two matches of the Super League for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the DPL to prepare himself for the T20 series.
Speaking at a function in New York on Thursday, Shakib said, ‘I have already spoken to the coach, captain and chief selector about playing the Zimbabwe series. The coach (Chandika Hathurusinghe) told me that Zimbabwe will have to play two matches in the series.
He also said, ‘I even asked him (coach) whether he wants me to play in five matches or not. But he told me two matches are enough. After that I spoke to the captain and the chief selector, but they said it would be better if we could play three matches. I said I have no problem with that and will play.’
Shakib will not play in DPL even if he plays in Zimbabwe series – such rumors on social media have angered him.
He said, ‘Discussion on this issue through social media is irrelevant. How many matches I play is not up to me. Such decisions are taken by team management through discussion. ‘
He also said, ‘There will be two matches left in the DPL before the last three T20 matches against Zimbabwe. So I will play those two matches as a preparation for the series.
Zimbabwe cricket team will arrive in Bangladesh on April 28. The first three matches of the series will be played at the Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong and the remaining two matches at the Sher Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
