Shakib Al Hasan opens up on playing IPL ahead of Sri Lanka Tests

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, cleared his stance over playing in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Test series against Sri Lanka. For the upcoming IPL edition, scheduled to get underway on April 9, the Magura-born would be playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

About picking IPL over the Tests, Shakib stated that his decision has clearly been misinterpreted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). According to the veteran, Akram Khan, the BCB cricket operation chairman, hasn’t been leading the media with the right information.

I did not mention anywhere in my letter that I do not want to play Tests: Shakib Al Hasan

“Continuously people are talking about this Test (skipping the series against Sri Lanka). The people who are saying that I will no longer play the Test or don’t want to play the Test haven’t read my letter properly and that is it,” Shakib was quoted as saying on Cricfrenzy.

“I did not mention anywhere in my letter that I do not want to play Tests. I mentioned in my letter that I want to play in the IPL to prepare myself properly for World Cup (T20 World Cup) but despite that Akram Bhai has repeatedly said that I do not want to play Tests,” he stated.

He also thanked Nazmul Hasan Papon, the BCB chairman, for granting him permission to play in the IPL ahead of the Test series. Shakib is currently on paternity leave and a few days back he became father to a baby boy with his wife Umme Ahmed Shishir.

Shakib also stated that his decision to play in the IPL was based around the preparations for the T20 World Cup in India later in 2021. He mentioned that by playing the IPL, he can garner desired experience and help his teammates out.

“During the IPL season, I wanted time so that I can prepare myself better. The ground where I will play IPL now will be the ground where I will play the World Cup match after four months. The players with whom I will play the IPL will be the players against whom I will play in the World Cup,” Shakib added.