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Will Shakib Play Test Series Vs PAK Amid Political Unrest In Bangladesh? Report Reveals 

Shakib unlikely to play Tests Vs PAK [X] Shakib unlikely to play Tests Vs PAK [X]

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is facing uncertainty about the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan that is scheduled to start on August 21, 2024 in Rawalpindi. 

The Bangladesh all-rounder currently participating in the Global T20 Canada, had expressed interest in the series and planned to return from the USA, following his NOC from the BCB until August 12.

He also was expected to join the national team either in Bangladesh or Pakistan from Canada for Test preparations. However, his status as an MP in the Awami League government, which fell after a student protest on August 5, complicated his return due to ongoing unrest. 

Will Shakib Al Hasan Play In The Test Series Against Pakistan?

In a recent report by the Daily Star, there have been concerns regarding the availability of Shakib as he has been engaged in continuous T20 matches since May, raising doubts about his readiness for Test cricket. 

"Before it was just about whether Shakib could come to Bangladesh and then travel to Pakistan. He's been playing cricket but in a format where he has to score quickly in short time. And even though he knows how to play longer matches, there's a concern about whether he can handle the physical demands of Test cricket." a BCB official told The Daily Star yesterday.

The report further added the selectors have struggled to contact him amid the unrest and have planned to consult captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha before finalising the squad.

In the report, it is also mentioned that an 18-member preliminary squad, including Shakib and pacer Taskin Ahmed, has been prepared. The final 15-member squad will be decided after further discussions.

Pakistan will host Bangladesh in a two-test match series with the first to be played on 21 August at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second Test match will be played on 30 August at the National Stadium in Karachi.