On Monday, Bangladesh's chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, confirmed that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan would be available for all of Bangladesh's Test matches in 2024. Bangladesh is set to play eight Tests this year, beginning with a two-match series against Pakistan. Following the Pakistan series, the team is scheduled to face India, South Africa, and West Indies in separate two-match Test series.
Previously, Shakib had hinted that he was uncertain about participating in the series against India, focusing only on the Pakistan matches. However, Ashraf offered a different perspective.
Ashraf mentioned that they had spoken with Shakib at the end of July, particularly about his fitness, during the Zimbabwe series. He explained that they wanted to understand Shakib's short-term plans, given the demanding schedule ahead. Shakib had assured them of his commitment to playing all the Test matches and participating in every practice session leading up to each series. Ashraf noted that Shakib is expected to join the team around August 14 or 15.
The discussion surrounding Shakib's selection was inevitable, considering that he had participated in only four out of the eight Tests played by Bangladesh over the past two years. Additionally, while his teammates had been training with the red ball at home, Shakib would be joining the squad from Canada, where he was playing in the Global T20 League. There were also concerns about his eye condition, raising questions about whether he was selected as an all-rounder or primarily as a bowler.
Ashraf clarified that he had not received any updates from the medical team regarding Shakib's eyes. He emphasized Shakib's reputation as one of the best all-rounders globally for the past 15 years and insisted that he would not consider him merely a bowler.
Ashraf highlighted Shakib's ability to excel in different formats and his impressive record against Pakistan as key factors in his selection. He added that ensuring Shakib's availability for all practice sessions before the series was a crucial criterion for his selection. Ashraf also mentioned that there were security concerns related to Shakib's involvement in politics, especially considering the current unrest in the country. However, Ashraf assured that the necessary security measures would be in place, given Shakib's status as a top player in Bangladesh.
Ashraf concluded by stating that Shakib's selection was based on his talent, emphasizing that the selection panel remains transparent in evaluating every player's abilities and will continue to do so in the future.