Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan would stay back in India with his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad to fine-tune his skills ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup starting May 30 in England and Wales.
Earlier, Shakib had missed the tour of New Zealand due to a finger injury. In IPL 2019, he has been on the sidelines, appearing in just two games (against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings).
Named vice-captain of Bangladesh for the marquee event, Shakib was supposed to report to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on April 23 for the World Cup camp and preparations for the tri-series in Ireland – from May 5 to May 17 – but he decided against it.
Jonny Bairstow’s departure from the T20 extravaganza would lead to an overseas vacancy in Sunrisers and Shakib wants to cash in on the opportunity to find form.
Shakib is now expected to link up with the Bangladesh squad on just ahead of their departure for Ireland, slated for May 1.
Shakib gets permission from BCB
As per a report in Cricbuzz, BCB had earlier sent a letter to Shakib informing him about the camp. He first confirmed his participation but later changed his mind as more openings started appearing in the SRH ranks. The all-rounder also sought the board’s permission for the same and was granted the same. Even, BCB operations chairman Akram Khan said Shakib will stay back in India and continue playing in the IPL which will conclude on May 12.
