Bangladesh superstar Shakib Al Hasan who signed up for the 2021 edition of the Caribbean Premier League with his former side Jamaica Tallawahs might not be allowed to participate in this year's tournament. With Bangladesh playing key international fixtures against England and Australia, the Bangladesh Cricket Board might not be too happy with their premier all-rounder leaving the national side to play franchise cricket.
As of now, no decision has been taken regarding the No Objection Certificate (NOC), but it seems that the 34-year-old might have to forget about the franchise-based tournament which begins on August 28.
BCB cricket operation chairman Akram Khan informed about the plans. "We have not taken any decision about it (NOC for CPL). When the time comes we can make a decision in this regard," he was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz. Khan further said, "We certainly want to play against them with our full strength squad,” suggesting that Shakib might not be given the NOC in favour of a stronger national side.
The left-handed batsman struggled a lot during the recent three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scoring only 19 runs including a duck. "Of course, my expectations weren't fulfilled during the series. But I have to ensure that these things won't happen next and it's very important," Shakib told reporters ahead of the start of the Dhaka Premier League in which he would turn up for Mohammedan Sporting Club.
The NOC has been an ongoing issue for the Shakib this year. Earlier in March the BCB and Shakib were in crossroads when the left-hander heavily criticised the board for scheduling Test fixtures against Sri Lanka during the Indian Premier League season. Arguing that he wanted to play in the IPL for the preparation of World T20, Shakib in a scathing interview said, "These two Tests are our last matches in the World Test Championship so it is not as if we are going to play in the final. We are at the very bottom of the points table. I don't think it makes much of a difference."