SA vs BAN: Shakib Al Hasan likley to miss Test series

As per the latest developments, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to miss the the two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled in March-April. The southpaw will be available for the preceding three-match ODI series, which is scheduled to end on March 24. He’ll then leave for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, which is scheduled to get underway in the last week of March, if any side picks him.

It must be noted that Shakib had also missed the New Zealand Tests last month. Not too long ago, the 34-year-old also revealed that he was contemplating his Test future going forward as it was getting harder for him to play all three formats. Meanwhile, an earlier report suggested that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has informed BCCI regarding Shakib’s unavailability from May 8 to 23 amid the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Shakib Al Hasan will be available for Sri Lanka Test: BCB cricket operation chairman

“Shakib will certainly play the ODIs against South Africa and though he did not say anything regarding his availability for the Test series, he informed that he will be available for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka,” BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Unarguably the finest all-rounder to have represented Bangladesh, Shakib has been an integral part of the national team across formats ever since making his international debut in 2006. As far as his Test numbers are concerned, Shakib scored 4029 runs alongside taking 215 wickets in 59 Test appearances so far.

He was last seen in the home Test series against Pakistan last year, where Babar Azam’s men recorded a 2-0 whitewash. At 34, Shakib is in the latter stages of his career and it would be interesting to see how he views his upcoming career in the longest format of the game.

Meanwhile, Shakib is all but likely to earn a deal in the IPL 2022 mega auction. A total of 590 players will go under the hammer and would like to fetch substantial deals. With the Bangladesh star contributing in all three departments, he would be in the wish list of multiple franchises.