Shakib Al Hasan pulls out of IPL 2023

Kolkata Knight Riders were handed a blow on Monday as Shakib Al Hasan has pulled out of the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League, citing personal reasons. 

Currently, the spin-bowling all-rounder is on international commitment, with the Test match against Ireland starting on April 4 at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. That, coupled with some other personal commitments, was the major reason behind his decision not to turn up for the season.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board normally issues No Objection Certificates to its players during the IPL season, despite some international commitments. 

But with the BCB naming both Shakib and Litton Das, who is also a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders camp for the IPL 2023, in the 14-man squad for the Test against Ireland, it was clear that the duo's arrival in the league will be late. 

While Litton will join the squad after the conclusion of the Test match, Kolkata will immediately seek a replacement for the talismanic all-rounder. 

As a matter of fact, the Knight Riders lost their opening encounter to Punjab Kings in a rain-affected game that saw them seven runs behind the DLS target.