Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has vowed to dedicate more time to national duty, saying that he is willing to "sacrifice" franchise cricket commitments in the near future.
Shakib, who led Bangladesh in the recently held Cricket World Cup in India, didn’t feature in the IPL 2024 auction list unveiled by the BCCI on Monday (December 11).
Shakib also revealed that his manager had given his name for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 draft, but he pulled out of it.
Notably, Shakib Al Hasan has received flak for failing to balance national duty and franchise league commitments in the past. But the 36-year-old said he would want to continue playing for Bangladesh and focus on being available for the country.
"I did not give my name in IPL and so that a window would be opened and when my manager gave my name in PSL I told him to withdraw it. I plan to give all this time to the national team because I will sacrifice the franchise tournaments that I used to play," Shakib said during a private program in the USA.
Shakib was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2023 auction for INR 1.5 crore but he opted out of the cash-rich tournament.
"I am playing in three formats and hope that I can continue that but no one knows about the future and what is in store. But till now I have the desire to play cricket for a long time," he added.
Shakib didn’t feature in Bangladesh's recent Test series against New Zealand at home due to an injury. His absence was felt in the two-match series as Bangladesh had to settle for a 1-1 draw despite winning the opening Test.
Shakib will not travel to New Zealand for Bangladesh’s upcoming white-ball assignment, comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is. The six white-ball games will be held from December 17 to December 31.
The veteran campaigner is targeting to return to action during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), slated to get underway on January 19, 2024.
"I was hoping that I will be going to New Zealand for the ODI and T20 series. As of now the team is departing for the tour and I was planning in that way because I felt I will be okay by four weeks," Shakib said.
"But I have consulted a doctor two days back and he asked me to wait as I will need another two weeks and later start the rehabilitation," he remarked.
