Shakib, Mustafizur likely to leave IPL before May 19

Kolkata Knight Riders’(KKR) Shakib Al Hasan and Rajasthan Royals’(RR) Mustafizur Rahman might leave Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 before the end due to the quarantine rule imposed by Bangladesh’s health ministry.

As per a new quarantine rule implemented from May 1, foreign travelers coming from India and South Africa will have to go through a 14-day quarantine before resuming work in the country. 

Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) managed to reduce the quarantine for their foreign coaching staff and players but due to the intensity of the second wave of coronavirus, chances are slim that there will be a relaxation for the players.

"We have asked them (Shakib and Mustafizur) to let us know what is their plan for the next 15 days while we have also asked the health ministry to know what kind of quarantine protocol the two players will need to follow,'' BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told Cricbuzz on Monday.

Shakib and Mustafizur, who were included in Bangladesh’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, were initially expected to return on May 19 to join the team after completing a three-day quarantine.

"If the health ministry suggests that they will have to follow seven or 14 days quarantine, they will have to return earlier than scheduled from IPL. But before that, we have to know what rules will be in place for them," Chowdhury added. 

"We are bound by the Bangladesh Government rules, and will take decisions according to the guideline provided by the government."

Bangladesh’s head coach Russell Domingo and fielding coach Ryan Cook are expected to return to South Africa after the Test series in Sri Lanka concluded on Monday and rejoin the squad for the limited-overs series at home.