This year, Shakib will be ready for every test that Bangladesh plays: Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Chief Selector

In their next Test series matches, Bangladesh will play Pakistan and India. There were multiple rumours circulating that Shakib Al Hasan, the former captain of Bangladesh, would not be able to participate in the next tours. The rumours were dispelled when Shakib’s name was revealed as part of the Bangla Tigers’ 16-person team for the two tests against Pakistan.

The all-rounder will participate in each of the eight Tests that Bangladesh will play this year, according to Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu. There has always been controversy surrounding Shakib’s selection before Bangladesh for each red-ball assignment. However, the country’s continuing political unrest, which resulted in his office being set on fire and swarmed, added context to the rumours.

Eight Test matches are planned for this year, with the final one taking place in the West Indies in December. Shabib will be there for all of them. When I spoke with Shakib, which was probably towards the end of July, we talked about his fitness. With eight Test matches scheduled till December, we [selectors] needed to know his short-term strategy for the Zimbabwe series [in May]. He had given us his word that he would be in. But I had to ask him again in the current situation,” Lipu stated, as cited by The Daily Star.

Shakib was a politician in addition to a sportsman: Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu

The veteran belonged to the Awami League government, which the general populace erupted against. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the members of the ruling government that left the nation as a result of the fallout. Because of this, it seemed extremely unlikely that Shakib would return to playing cricket normally, but Lipu insisted that the 37-year-old has a spot in the squad based only on merit.

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“He was not only a sportsman but also a political person. However, he was chosen based on his qualifications. We have given his talent some thought. We shall value merit in the future as well, said Lipu.