Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could be part of the T20I series on the tour of Sri Lanka after his one-year ban culminates on October 29.
Shakib was banned for two years, one of those suspended, by the ICC for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches by an alleged Indian bookie while playing the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Even though exact details of the series in Sri Lanka are yet unannounced, it is understood that the tour will span late September to early November, which shall allow for Shakib to be part of the proposed T20I series if it is slotted in the period just after his ban is over.
The series was originally due to be held in July-August but was later postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think Shakib being out for a year is not that much different to the rest of our squad who have been out for six or seven months as well,” Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“We are hoping all the players are fit. Obviously, there are standards that they need to attain in terms of fitness level. We have to organise a bit of game time for Shakib, as well as for all the players," he added.
The selectors and the team management will look at Shakib's fitness status before arriving at a final decision to take him on tour or not.
"It is very difficult to get into international cricket without any sort of cricket. I think we need to try to find some opportunities for him to play some games. He is a world-class player so I am sure he will get back into it pretty soon, but fitness is an important thing," said Domingo.
As per the ESPNcricinfo report, Sri Lanka Cricket chief executive Mohan de Silva said the two boards have reached an agreement that Bangladesh team will depart on September 24 for the series. However, it is not clear whether the tour will consist of three Tests (as were originally part of the FTP) or two, especially as the visitors have requested for it to also include three T20Is.
BKSP facility - Bangladesh’s largest sporting institute - is where Shakib is about to resume training after an extended break.
Domingo, though, did stress again that the player must play some unofficial games to regain his rhythm.
"It is something that we have to discuss with the selectors. I don’t think he can play any official game before October 29, so all games that he plays have to be unofficial games. It might be inter-squad games but we need to have clarity if he is allowed to play that," he said.
"He has to make sure he is fit and that he starts hitting balls and bowling some balls. Once we assemble before heading off to Sri Lanka - when that tour is confirmed - we will get closer to making a decision," Domingo added.
