Agency :
Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan confirmed that he will play the last three matches of the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at home, putting an end to speculations about his availability.
It was earlier reported that Shakib would play Dhaka Premier League (DPL)’s Super League matches as a preparation before returning to International cricket with the Zimbabwe series. Now it’s confirmed he would play the Super League matches and then join the Tigers in the last three T20Is.
Shakib said he had discussed his participation in the upcoming series with the head coach, captain, and chief selector of the Bangladesh team before deciding to play the last three matches of the series.
“I had talked about this [Shakib’s availability in the series] with the coach, captain and the selector. The Coach [Chandika Hathurusingha] told me that playing two matches would suffice,” Shakib said at an event in New York on Thursday.
“I asked him whether he wanted me to play all five matches but he told me that two matches would be enough. Then I had discussions with the captain and the selector who told me that it would be better if I played three matches. I said I have no problems with it and said yes,” he said.
“Since there are two scheduled DPL matches before the last three T20Is, I will play those and ramp up my preparations for the Zimbabwe matches,” he added.
Shakib has played 3 matches in the Dhaka Premier League so far, scored 34 runs against Rupganj Tigers and got a half-century against Gazi Group, he also took 6 wickets.
The first three T20Is of the series will be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on May 3, 5 and 7 respectively. Then the last two matches will be shifted to Dhaka at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on May 10 and 12.
