XtraTime Web Desk: Bangladesh’s superstar all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has decided to skip the World Cup camp of Bangladesh and stay back in India with Sunrisers Hyderabad to fine-tune his skills ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup starting May 30 in the United Kingdom.
Earlier, Shakib had missed the tour of New Zealand due to a finger injury. In IPL 2019, he has been on the sidelines, appearing in just one game [against Kolkata Knight Riders].
Named vice-captain of Bangladesh for the big-ticket event, Shakib was supposed to report to Bangladesh Cricket Board on April 23 for the World Cup camp and preparations for the series in Ireland, but he decided against it.
Jonny Bairstow’s departure could lead to an overseas vacancy in Sunrisers and Shakib wants to cash in on the opportunity to find form.
Reports claim that Shakib had the backing of Bangladesh head coach Courtney Walsh behind the decision. He will be available for the entire tenure of the IPL. Being a senior player, Shakib also shares a good rapport with the BCB selectors and management.
“Shakib is mature enough to balance the workload and take care of his body. He understands the importance of a World Cup. He knows the importance of representing the nation. You never know whether he will be around four years later. World Cup is always a special occasion,” BCB selector Habibul Bashar had told this publication in a recent interaction.