Shakib Al Hasan reveals reason dropping himself from World XI squad
As Sandeep Lamichhane was announced as one of the players in the ICC World XI squad for the match against West Indies on the 31st of May, Shakib Al Hasan withdrew himself from the game while citing personal reasons.
And now, speaking to Prothom Alo, he revealed his reason for opting to skip the match that is being organized to raise funds to repair the stadiums destroyed by Hurricane Irma.
Shakib stated that flying to England right after the conclusion of the IPL would be extremely tiresome for him, keeping in mind that Bangladesh will have to play against Afghanistan on the 3rd of June.
‘We [Sunrisers Hyderabad] have a chance to reach the final of Indian Premier League. On top that, I have been playing continuously for a long time. If I fly to England on the 29th [of May], I will have to return on the 1st [of June] after playing [the match at Lord’s] on the 31st. Then there is a match [for Bangladesh] against Afghanistan on the 3rd [of June]. It will be very tiring for me.’
Bangladesh are set to face Afghanistan at Dehradun in a three-match T20I series beginning from the 3rd of June – and Shakib wants to be in optimum condition to face them.
‘The Afghanistan series is very important for us. I want to be at my best for the series, so that I don’t have any problems while performing. Besides, the matches [against Afghanistan] will take place in India, so it will be good for me if I can rest and then play.’
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan’s compatriot Tamim Iqbal is in the World XI squad and will fly for England on the 27th of May. He will board a flight to India after the conclusion of the match at the Lord’s.
