BCB accepts Shakib Al Hasan's request for a break from Test cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has agreed to grant a paid leave to the team’s most lethal weapon Shakib Al Hasan. The prolific all-rounder had asked for a sabbatical after the completion of Bangladesh’s successful Test series against the mighty Aussies at home. The Tigers scripted their first Test victory against the Australians in the series by beating them in the first match of the series. It was a massive moment for Bangladesh cricket and will be remembered by fans for years to come.

Shakib Al Hasan was instrumental in the first Test both with the bat and the ball. The left handed genius picked up 5 wickets in each winnings to register a successful 10 wicket haul which scripted the murder of the Aussies. His 84 run knock in the first innings provided stability to a shaky Bangladesh batting line up and helped them reach a respectable total. Shakib was handed over the Man of the Match award in the Dhaka test where he revealed that it was his wife who believed in him and pushed him to do the impossible.

The news of Bangladesh accepting Shakib Al Hasan’s request to take a break from the longest version of the game was revealed on Twitter by Cricbuzz. In their tweet, Cricbuzz stated, “@Sah75official’s request for a Test sabbatical has been accepted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board”.

Shakib Al Hasan becomes the second player to take a break from Test cricket after popular South African cricketer AB de Villiers. The Protea power hitter decided to keep himself away from the white jersey in order to stretch his limited overs career and be available for the World Cup in 2019. However, his decision was highly criticized former South African greats including Herschelle Gibbs which lead to De Villiers announcing that he will return to all formats for the country from mid-October.

What the BCB had to say:

Shakib Al Hasan will, therefore, be absent from the team’s Test encounter against South Africa but will make his return in the limited over games confirmed the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Chairman of BCB Cricket Operation Committee Akram Khan said Monday, ‘Board has decided that Shakib can take rest in Bangladesh’s Test series against South Africa. But he will join in limited over series.’

“Shakib wrote a letter to us asking for a six-month break,” Akram added. “He can miss the first Test against South Africa but if he wants, he can play the second Test. He will not be traveling with the team but he can tell us what he decides to do.”