BCB undecided on Shakib for Pak Tests

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials are still uncertain about including premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. Shakib, who is currently participating in the Global T20 Canada, had previously shown interest in playing the Test series, which is set to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi. He had planned to return to Bangladesh from the USA, where he had been playing in the Major League Cricket, following his NOC from the BCB until August 12.

However, Shakib's situation has changed after he lost his parliamentary seat on August 6 due to the recent political unrest, which may delay his return to Bangladesh. This uncertainty could potentially affect his selection for the national team. Furthermore, there are concerns about Shakib's readiness for Test cricket, given his recent continuous T20 matches since the home series against Zimbabwe in May.

According to a report by The Daily Star, a BCB official mentioned that the initial concern was whether Shakib could travel to Bangladesh and then Pakistan, but now there are worries about his ability to handle the physical demands of Test cricket after playing T20s. The selectors have struggled to reach Shakib over the past week due to the unrest and are expected to consult with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in the coming days before finalizing the squad.

The report further added that an 18-member preliminary squad has already been prepared, including Shakib and pacer Taskin Ahmed, but the final 15-member squad will be determined after discussions with the selection panel. Meanwhile, Cricket Operations In-charge Shahriar Nafees has stated that Shakib's inclusion will depend on both his availability and his selection for the series.

All-rounder withdraws from BD 'A' team's tour of Pak

Saifuddin, who was selected for the second four-day match of a two-match series and the subsequent three-match one-day series against Pakistan 'A', communicated his need for a break via email

All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has withdrawn from the upcoming Bangladesh 'A' team's tour of Pakistan, citing mental exhaustion and requesting a two-month break from all cricketing activities.

Saifuddin, who was selected for the second four-day match of a two-match series and the subsequent three-match one-day series against Pakistan 'A', communicated his need for a break via email to the selectors earlier this month, according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official.

In his email, Saifuddin expressed his disappointment over not being selected for the ICC T20 World Cup squad in June and his inability to travel to Canada for the ongoing Global T20 due to unrest in the country.

"Due to these matters, I want to keep myself away from all forms of cricket for the next two months. Hopefully, you will take the matter in a positive way," Saifuddin's email read.

However, Saifuddin did not mention the right rib injury he sustained during a gym session in Mirpur two days before his scheduled flight to Canada in late July. He was set to represent the Montreal Tigers in the GT20, having obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the BCB until August 8. Afterward, he was expected to join the 'A' team in Pakistan.

BCB physio Muzadded Sany explained that Saifuddin noticed the injury after the gym session and consulted the BCB medical team when the pain persisted. BCB chief physician Dr. Debashish Chowdhury assessed his condition and provided treatment instructions, noting the severity of the pain. Concerns about the impact of a 22-hour economy-class flight on his injury led the BCB to advise against his travel to Canada.

According to the report in The Daily Star, Saifuddin's recent letter has frustrated the selectors, as he had missed most of the Bangladesh Tigers' practice sessions in Sylhet and Chattogram last month.

An anonymous official noted that Saifuddin only participated in nine days of practice in Sylhet and four days in Chattogram out of a 45-day camp. He left the Chattogram camp early, citing the need to attend a biometric appointment for his Canada visa.

Previously, he had taken leave for family issues before Eid, and subsequently requested an extension, which was granted due to the family emergency. The official concluded by expressing concern over Saifuddin's current reluctance towards cricket.