Shakib Al Hasan May Skip India Tour 2019, Says Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Nazmul Hassan: Reports
Shakib, who earlier complained about how lack of proper facilities and funds was affecting the players, led a select group of players – both international and domestic cricketers – in calling a strike last Monday. The players had informed the board that they will no longer play for the national team until their demands were met. The strike was finally called off on Wednesday.p
Days after agreeing to meet the demands of the revolting players, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) finds itself tackling another problem involving Shakib Al Hasan, the leader of the revolutionary pack. Shakib, who led the players’ strike and threatened of dropping out of the India Tour until their demands were met, has reportedly not turned up for training sessions with the national team in the past two days.
Shakib, who earlier complained about how lack of proper facilities and funds was affecting the players, led a select group of players – both international and domestic cricketers – in calling a strike last Monday. The players had informed the board that they will no longer play for the national team until their demands were met. The strike was finally called off on Wednesday midnight following a two-hour meeting between the players and the BCB. But that seemingly wasn’t enough for Bangladesh captain Shakib, who reportedly has failed to turn up for the training in two of the last three days despite agreeing to be part of the India Tour.
According to a report from ESPN Cricinfo, head coach Russell Domingo had informed the board that the veteran all-rounder had been left out of Sunday’s practise session despite his name being present in the list of players expected to attend training session on Sunday. Meanwhile, reports also claimed that Shakib perhaps could join the group of players set to miss the India Tour, which starts on November 3, 2019 (Sunday).
The report further states BCB president Nazmul Hassan, in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo, mentioned that the 32-year-old all-rounder could skip the upcoming tour of India. The Bengal Tigers depart for India on Wednesday.
"I am quite sure that they [the players] won't go, and they will only inform us when we have nothing to do about it," said Hasan. "I don't know. I have called Shakib today. Let's see what he says. It might be others too. I don't know. But I had information that they won't go. Now things have quickly changed [vis-a-vis the strike].”
“They didn't think it would all change so quickly. I am not saying tia ahis after hearing it from a trusted source,” added the BCB chief. If they say on October 30 that they won't go, what will we do? We have to change the entire combination. Where will I get a captain from? You tell me what will I do with them?" Bangladesh have already lost Mohammad Saifuddin and Tamim Iqbal with the latter opting out of the India tour to be with his pregnant wife. Saifuddin has been ruled out with a back injury.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will face India in a three-match Twenty20 series starting November 3, 2019 (Sunday). Both teams will also play each other in a two-match Test series.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2019 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).