Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) received further setback as Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has opted out of the ongoing IPL 2023 season owing to national duty.
The star Bangladeshi cricketer will not travel to India for the cash rich league this season owing to his availability. Shakib was initially supposed to join KKR squad on April 8 along with Litton Das after the test match against Ireland.
According to reports, both Shakib and Litton will not be available towards the later stages of IPL 2023 as well. Bangladesh will be travelling to Ireland to take part in three match ODI series. The three ODIs will be played on May 9, 12 & 14. The Tigers also have a practice match on May 5. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wants both Shakib and Litton to be available for the series against Ireland.
KKR management after discussion with Shakib gave him a proposal if they can pick an overseas cricketer in place of him since he will not be available for most matches in IPL 2023.
According to reports in Bangladesh media, the Bangladesh T20 captain has decided to skip this edition of IPL so that KKR can take an overseas cricketer in his place. Both Shakib and KKR management have a good relation and it is believed both parties have mutually agreed.
It is not clear whether Litton Das will also take a similar route like Shakib. But there are speculations that he too might opt out of IPL 2023.