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BCB president questions Shakib's commitment to the national side
Follow Us"I think it is logical to think that if he was in a poor physical and mental state, he wouldn't have given his name in the IPL auction."
The Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan has questioned Shakib Al Hasan's commitment to the national side after the allrounder said that he is mentally and physically exhausted and expressed his reluctance to travel to South Africa for three ODIs and two Tests.
Earlier, it was expected that Shakib will skip the Test series in order to play in the Indian Premier League 2022, which is beginning on March 26. However, the 34-year old went unsold in the mega-auction in February.
"I think it is logical to think that if he was in a poor physical and mental state, he wouldn't have given his name in the IPL auction," said Nazmul Hassan. "But he went ahead with it. So, does it mean that if he got his IPL contract, he would have said the same thing?
"We can't do anything if he doesn't want to play (for Bangladesh). But he can't keep saying I will play this game, I won't play that game. We are soft on those who we love, but they also have to be professional. Otherwise we will have to take decisions that no one will like."
Nazmul Hassan said he doesn't mind Shakib taking a break from cricket but that shouldn't be done at the last minute. "If he not willing to play please tell us but it becomes difficult if he informs us at the last minute, then it becomes a problem.
"We made the plan for South Africa keeping him in mind and now when he says things it does hamper our planning. Members of the coaching staff and the team management are not sure what is happening. It is surprising to be honest. I don't know what he is saying now but his last conversation with me was in Chattogram where he said he would play and that's all I know.
"I think he is mentally disturbed. What I feel is why won't he enjoy playing against Afghanistan because we had beaten them and if any cricketer is not enjoying the success of his team, then it is a big problem."
Shakib had said that he felt like a "passenger" during the Afghanistan series. "If I get a break, if I get my interest back, I can play with more ease. I was like a passenger in the Afghanistan series, which is never desirable. I didn't enjoy the ODIs and T20Is. I don't think I should be in the South Africa tour with such a mentality. I want to meet everyone's expectations when I am playing."