Lipu: Shakib's selection based on merit

All-rounder Shakib al Hasan’s inclusion in the two-match Test series against Pakistan has been based on his merit as a player, according to the chief of the national selection panel, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu. Speaking to the media on Monday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Lipu emphasized that it was Shakib’s cricketing skills, not his political identity, that were taken into consideration.

Shakib’s availability for the national team for the upcoming tour of Pakistan has been a hot topic in the cricket fraternity. The discussion was triggered by the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the subsequent scramble for personal safety by Awami League leaders. Shakib, who was a member of the recently dissolved Parliament, was playing in Canada in the ongoing Global T20 2024.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 16-man squad for the two Tests against Pakistan, which are part of the ICC Test Championship. The left-arm all-rounder is scheduled to join the Bangladesh team in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It is understood that Shakib is not willing to travel to Dhaka given the current political circumstances.

“We are, of course, concerned about the current [political] situation. We have to ensure his safety. Shakib al Hasan is a top player for the country. Yes, he does have a political identity, but we have only considered his talent as a cricketer,” said Lipu.

“He has elevated himself to a different level with his performance on the field and his ability to adapt to different formats of the game. His record against Pakistan was among the key points of discussion within the selection panel,” the former cricketer added.

While the country was in turmoil due to clashes between protesters and the recently dissolved Awami League, Shakib was busy playing cricket in the Canada Global T20. Shakib’s NOC (No Objection Certificate issued by the BCB) was valid until today, August 12, and he was initially supposed to report to the BCB on August 13.

Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh team traveled to Pakistan today [Monday] afternoon, five days ahead of the original schedule.

Bangladesh will face hosts Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi from August 21. The second Test will be played in Karachi starting August 30.

Source: AFP