Shakib Al Hasan has played only four out of eight Tests Bangladesh has played in last 2 years.
Shakib Al Hasan will be available to play all the remaining Test matches in 2024 for Bangladesh, confirmed Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain.
Bangladesh is slated to play eight Test matches throughout the remainder of the year, beginning with a two-match series against Pakistan. Following the Pakistan series, Bangladesh will play two Test matches against India, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Shakib has previously stated that he had yet to decide if he will play against India because he is only going to play the two-match Test series against Pakistan. However, Ashraf disagrees.
"Probably at the end of July, we talked to Shakib and there were discussions with me regarding his fitness. During the Zimbabwe series, we wanted to understand his short-term plans. We have a busy schedule with eight Test matches by December. He assured us that he would play all the Tests and attend all practice sessions before each series. He is expected to join the team around August 14 or 15," Ashraf told reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.
Shakib's selection was debatable, given that he had only played four of Bangladesh's eight Tests in the previous two years. Furthermore, while his teammates have had red-ball preparation at home, the ace all-rounder will be joining the group from Canada after competing in the Global T20 League.
He has also had problems with his eyes, raising questions about whether he was selected as an all-rounder or merely a bowler.
"I haven't received any updates from our medical team regarding his eyes. Globally, Shakib has been one of the best all-rounders for the past 25 (15) years and I maintain that opinion. I cannot dare to consider him only as a bowler. The way he has been able to take himself to new heights and his adjustability to different formats and his record against Pakistan are all considered for his inclusion,” he added.
"It was important to know whether he would be available in all the practice sessions before the series and that was a criterion for selection from our point of view. We were supposed to go [to Pakistan] a bit later. He will probably reach the side on 14th or 15th and practice with the team," he said.
Ashraf further stated that Shakib faced security concerns as a result of the country's upheaval, given the fact he is actively participating in politics, having been elected to the parliament under the Awami League flag in the previous general election.
The parliament was dissolved after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5. As a result, there was talk that he would return home after many governing party lawmakers were recently attacked.
"In practice sessions, there are security issues regarding every player or official. That definitely has to be ensured in light of current circumstances because Shakib is a top player in Bangladesh. In terms of selection, we had to think of many things because he is a political person. But his selection was done because of his talent. We have been open regarding his talent and we do that for every player and we will do that in the future if we remain in the selection panel," Ashraf said.
(Cricbuzz inputs)