Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has asked for a 6-month break from Test cricket. After the completion of the Test series against Australia, the left-hander demanded a sabbatical leave from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The Board has granted him the permission to go on a paid time out for the requested duration.
Recently, Bangladesh had defeated the mighty Australians in the first Test in Mirpur. It was a historical victory as they managed to get the better of the Kangaroos for the first time in their cricketing history. Shakib Al Hasan was the premier contributor as he bagged 10 wickets in the match that included fifers in each innings.
He also struck a wonderful half-century in the first innings that laid the platform. The Australians then failed the spin test and ultimately, the hosts won the match by 20 runs. Shakib was deservedly adjudged the Man of the Match.
However, the visitors came back in the next Test in Chittagong and leveled the series 1-1. But even a draw in a Test series against Australia is a commendable effort and a lot of credit for that went to Shakib.
The news of Bangladesh’s Board accepting Shakib Al Hasan’s request of taking a break from the longest version of the game was revealed on Twitter by Cricbuzz. In the tweet, Cricbuzz stated, “@Sah75official’s request for a Test sabbatical has been accepted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board”.
Chairman of BCB Cricket Operation Committee Akram Khan said on Monday, “Board has decided that Shakib can take rest in Bangladesh’s Test series against South Africa. But he will join in limited over series.”
“Shakib wrote a letter to us asking for a six-month break,” Akram added. “He can miss the first Test against South Africa but if he wants, he can play the second Test. He will not be traveling with the team but he can tell us what he decides to do.”
