Shakib Al Hassan set to miss Sri Lanka Test to play in IPL 2021

Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh star all rounder Shakib Al Hassan will be missing upcoming Sri Lankan series to play in IPL 2021.

In the recent IPL auction which was concluded on 18th Feb 2021 in Chennai was picked up by KKR at price of INR 3.20 crore from his base price of INR 2 crore.

This was confirmed by Akram Khan who is serving as the Chairman of the cricket operations in Bangladesh Cricket Board(BCB) stating that Shakib sent a letter to the board, asking for permission to play in the IPL.

Shakib, however, is set to play in the three-ODI series before the Tests, provided he proves his fitness.

“He (Shakib) had recently given us a letter [asking] to skip the Test series against Sri Lanka as he wanted to take part in the IPL. We have given him the permission as there is no point pushing someone who is not interested to play (Test for the national team),” Akram was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

This will also mark his return to IPL after 2020 where he didn’t played cash rich league held in UAE as he was banned for one year for not reporting corrupt approaches from bookies.

He returned in November 202o after serving his one year ban for Gemon Khulna to participate in the inaugural edition of Bangabandhu T20 cup.

He didn’t play the final and headed back to the USA for family matters. Back in January, he made his comeback to international cricket against the West Indies.

However he played the first Test in Chattogram but missed Mirpur Test due to injury against West Indies which they lost by 0-2 against young Caribbean side.

“We have received a letter from him to grant leave during the tour of New Zealand as he wants to be with his wife (in the USA). We are yet to take a decision in this regard,” Akram said earlier during an interview with Cricbuzz.