Shakib wants to withdraw his name from Bangladesh squad for NZ Tests.
Local media reported that Shakib's letter asked to withdraw for "family reasons", without giving further details. The selectors have picked an 18-member squad for New Zealand that includes six fast bowlers, three spinners, and three openers.
"He gave a letter to the chief executive officer seeking leave. We are yet to be informed if his application has been granted or not," Chief selector Minhajul Abedin said, referring to the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
The cricketer returned to the Bangladesh squad for the ongoing second Test against Pakistan in Dhaka after injury forced him to sit out their earlier match in Chittagong.
The New Zealand series will count towards the 2021-23 World Test Championship. The first Test is set to be played in Mount Maunganui from January 1 to 5, and the second in Christchurch from January 9 to 13.
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Earlier, Nazmul Hassan, BCB President was quoted by ESPNCricinfo saying, “He hasn't informed us officially. He told us unofficially. We told him to inform us officially. He has to give a reason. Shakib contributes with either bat or ball. He strengthens the team combination. There's no substitute for Shakib."
Shakib is an important cog in the Bangladesh Test team being the senior player alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, especially after the retirement of Mahmudullah from the red-ball format.
Bangladesh squad for New Zealand Test series:
Mominul Haque (C), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadat Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mohammad Naim
(AFP inputs)