Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) is in doubt as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is likely to reconsider the No Objection Certificate (NOC) given to the veteran.
Shakib has played 63 matches, scoring 746 runs and taking 59 scalps in the IPL so far and he will play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 14 after being bought for his base price in IPL 2021 auction.
Recently, Shakib had stated that the BCB misinterpreted his letter for prioritizing the IPL over the national duty, asking to miss Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka while claiming he wants to play in the T20 league in order to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in India.
Thereafter, the BCB chief Nazmul Hasan called an impromptu meeting at his residence following the accusation made by Shakib that the board had misinterpreted his move to play in the IPL 2021.
Now, Akram Khan, the BCB Cricket Operation chairman, didn’t sound happy with Shakib’s statements and said the board will reconsider the clearance it gave to him to play in the IPL 2021.
Read Also: Shakib-Al-Hasan says BCB misrepresented his decision to play IPL over Test series
Akram was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz on Sunday (March 21): “What does it imply? If someone is saying that I don't want to tour Sri Lanka, where we have two Tests, to prepare for the World Cup then what does it actually mean?”
He further noted, “I heard that he said that I didn't read his letter. Perhaps I misunderstood his letter. He wants to play Tests, from what he has said. In the next couple of days, we will discuss about his NOC. If he has an interest, he will play Tests in Sri Lanka.”
Meanwhile, Shakib had said in a letter: “I did not mention anywhere in my letter that I do not want to play Tests. I mentioned in my letter that I want to play in the IPL to prepare myself properly for T20 World Cup, but despite that Akram Bhai (BCB cricket operation chairman) has repeatedly said that I do not want to play Tests.”
The all-rounder continued, “Maybe he also said this in an interview yesterday. I guess he didn't really read my letter properly. And whatever decisions they have taken, I believe that they have been taken after discussing among themselves.”
It is being said that the BCB officials were considering slapping a fine or even going to the extent of banning him for his such statements so as to not embarrass the board, but refrained from doing so.
The reports also suggested that the BCB board directors are scheduled to have a meeting this week to take a final call on Shakib's NOC for the IPL 2021.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
