|| CF DESK ||

Shakib Al Hasan withdrew himself from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the last season after being picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders and he has not put his name up for auction for the upcoming season either. Shakib's name is also absent from the draft of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Bangladesh captain has provided an explanation for not giving his name for the auctions of the two popular franchise leagues. The Bangladeshi cricketer has stated that he is making himself available for the national team this time.

Initially, the Southpaw had put his name in the draft to play in the PSL. However, Shakib decided to withdraw from it as he has refrained from putting his name forward, with the intention of giving time to Bangladesh in the packed 2023 season.

"I haven't put my name in the IPL either. Naturally, there will be a window (time) for me. When my manager gave my name in the PSL draft, I told him to withdraw it. My name is not in the PSL either. The plan is to be available for the national team throughout the entire time." Shakib said in an event in the United States on Monday.

The question of whether international cricket or IPL is more significant for Shakib has repeatedly arisen, leading to discussions and controversies. The most significant controversy occurred during the 2021 IPL season.

The debate centers around whether representing Bangladesh in international cricket holds more importance for players than participating in the highly popular and financially lucrative IPL. Players, especially those from Bangladesh, face a dilemma when it comes to choosing between national duty and IPL commitments.