Shakib likely to play second Test against Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said on Friday that they are expecting all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to be available for the second Test of the ongoing two-match series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from March 30.

Earlier, BCB stated that Shakib, who missed the white-ball series against Sri Lanka after missing the series against New Zealand, will not be available for the Tests. However, the all-rounder changed his mind recently and now informed the board that he wants to play the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

“We are expecting him to be available during the second Test against Sri Lanka as he wants to play the game. I think there is still time for him to prepare fully for the game,” a top BCB official told Cricbuzz on Friday.

The return of Shakib will be a huge boost for the hosts as they are missing the experience of Mushfiqur Rahim after he was ruled out of the series following a thumb injury. Shakib last played a Test match in April 2023 when he featured for the hosts against Ireland at their own backyard.

Shakib recently joined Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to play in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League, the country’s traditional List A tournament, in order to get some more time in the middle with the bat as he prepares to make his international return. The ongoing series is part of the third cycle of the ICC Test Championship.