Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has reportedly opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, Cricbuzz reported on Monday (April 3).

As per the report, Shakib has informed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that he will not be available this season. He has cited ‘international commitments and personal issues’ as reasons for his pulling out.

Litton Das, the other KKR player, is expected to join the franchise later in the week.

Shakib was set to miss the initial few matches of the IPL 2023 season as he is contractually obligated to play for Bangladesh, who recently hosted Ireland in three ODIs and T20Is each. He is due to turn out for Bangladesh in the only Test match, starting April 4 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. He will have to travel to England again for three ODI matches against Ireland, which will be played from May 9 to 14.

According to Cricbuzz, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to release Shakib alongside Das as they are an integral part of the Test side, with BCB informing the BCCI they can play the IPL only from April 8 to May 1.

BCCI’s brief to franchises for Bangladesh players was, “Limited Availability. Players selected for Ireland series will be available from 8 April to 1 May."

Shakib was roped in by KKR for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore while Das was signed at his base price of Rs 50 lakh.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)