|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Gazi Ashraf Lipu confirmed Shakib al Hasan's availability in all the Test matches of this year, starting with the Pakistan tour.

Underfire Shakib was included in the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan by the selectors, however, his return was under cloud after the recent change in government. 

Shakib served Magura-2 as a Member of Parliament of the dissolved Awami League, he was criticised for not standing with the anti-government protest. However, the chief selector remarked that he was included in the Test fold based on his cricketing skills.

"We will be playing eight test matches. He will be available for all the matches, including the West Indies tour in December. He will attend practice sessions regularly. During the practice sessions, safety concerns for players and foreign officials must be addressed prior to the current situation. Shakib is one of the top players in the country," said Lipu at the Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"Since Shakib was a political figure, we have thought about him. His selection was based on his cricketing skills. Every player was given the opportunity prioritize their skills," he added.

The first Test begins on 21 August while the second match starts on 30 August.