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"I don't think I should be in the South Africa tour" - Shakib Al Hasan

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Shakib Al Hasan has asked for a break from international cricket ahead of the series against South Africa later in March. The Star all-rounder has asked for an indefinite break from the game to regain 100 per cent physical and mental fitness. 


Shakib was picked in both the ODI and T20I squad after Nazmul Hassan the president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) mentioned that the 34-year old has made himself available for the Tests as well.


However, before leaving for Dubai for some personal reasons, the all-rounder said that he felt like he was a ‘passenger’ in the recently concluded series against Afghanistan where Shakib slammed 74 runs and also grabbed seven wickets in three ODI's and two T20Is.


"Considering my mental and physical state, I don't think I can play so much international cricket," Shakib said. "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. There's no guarantee of my best performance, but at least I will know that I tried hardest for the country. I don't want to waste the time or someone's spot. Playing in this way, as a passenger, it will be like betraying or cheating my teammates and the country." Shakib told ESPNcricinfo


Shakib cited that he told BCB chief Nazmul Hassan that he is ready for both formats in South Africa, but he changed his thoughts during the series against Afghanistan.


"I have informed Jalal bhai who told me to think about it for a couple of days. I am expecting a decision after that. I had earlier spoken with Papon bhai that I will play both the series but I thought long and hard since the match yesterday. Looking at my mental and physical condition, I need a bit of time. I might skip the ODI series to play the Tests in a better physical condition," Shakib further added.


Shakib Al Hasan said that he wanted BCB to allow him for a break from red-ball cricket till November, not just for six months as he wants to concentrate on white-ball cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup in India next year.


"I think at this stage of my career, I need a long-term plan. I think it is important that we have clarity about everything. My letter to the board didn't mention six months. I told the board that I wanted to stay out of Tests till November 22 this year. I wanted to concentrate fully on white-ball cricket. We have two World Cups in the next two years.


"I didn't want to leave Tests totally, but because we are finding a bit of balance in the Test side, I felt that if I focus on white-ball, considering my age and physical fitness, I could have done better in ODIs and T20Is. I think it is better if I know the long-term plan about me. There's no point thinking series-by-series."


Bangladesh are all set to tour South Africa for 3 ODIs starting from 18 March to 23 and Tests which are set to commence from March 31 to April 12, 2022.

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