WI vs BAN | Shakib Al Hasan to opt out of West Indies ODIs

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan informed that Shakib Al Hasan might miss the three-match One Day International series against the West Indies.

While speaking to the media at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium following a board meeting on Wednesday, Nazmul stated Shakib had initially thought of not playing the Test matches in the Caribbean, but then he had a chat with the all-rounder, after which he agreed to lead the Test side.

"I did not speak to Shakib [about his leave] yet. Initially, I had heard that he didn't want to play Test matches [in the West Indies]. But then I had a meeting with him, and he was handed the Test captain role," said Nazmul Hasan. 

According to the BCB President, prior to Shakib's departure to the Caribbean, he had already conveyed his decision not to take part in the ODI leg of the West Indies tour to the BCB cricket operations committee chairman Jalal Younus, and it can be considered as an official communication. 

However, Nazmul insisted that he'll talk to the current Test captain of the Bangladesh team in a day or two to get a clear understanding of his decision.

"I have heard that he spoke to Jalal (Younus) Bhai about not playing the ODI series in the West Indies. He had informed so before going to the West Indies. He did not speak about it with the board yet. We will have a better understanding about it after speaking to him in a day or two. But as he has spoken to Jalal, it can be considered as official," Nazmul added.

The 61-year-old BCB chief doesn't see anything wrong in the senior members of the side taking leave as long as the games do not affect the team's position in the ICC rankings. Nazmul understands that players do need a break in a busy cricketing calendar which gives the team a chance to try out new players.

"I do not see anything wrong in it [with the senior players taking leave]. It is fine as long as they are they taking leave from matches that do not affect the [ICC] rankings. This gives us the opportunity to try out new players. This doesn't depend on us and we also need to know if we have the replacements. I also understand that they need the break," said Nazmul.

Several other players to miss the ODI leg

It has been reported that along with Shakib few more senior players will opt out of the ODI series as it'll not cost Bangladesh points in the ICC ODI Super League points table. BCB are yet to name Shakib's replacement in the ODI team, but it has reportedly been picked as Taijul Islam. Mohammad Saifuddin, Shohidul Islam, and Yasir Ali, who were members of the white-ball teams, have already been ruled out of the series.

The three-match ODI series against the West Indies will be played on July 10, 13, and 16, respectively, and it is not a part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.