Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is all set to become a father for the third time, has been granted paternity leave by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday (February 12).

Recently, Shakib requested the BCB for the paternity leave to be with his pregnant wife Umme Ahmed Shishir in the USA as the couple is expecting their third child together during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand.

BCB cricket operation chairman Akram Khan has confirmed on Thursday (February 11) by saying, “We have granted him leave during the New Zealand tour.”

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The all-rounder had reportedly requested the BCB to not consider him for Bangladesh’s upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand next month, comprising three ODIs and as many as T20Is, as he wanted to be with his wife for the birth of his third child in the USA.

Notably, Shakib’s wife Umme Ahmed Shishir, and their two daughters named – Alaina Hasan Abri and Errum Hasan are residing in Wisconsin, United States of America (USA).

At the moment, Shakib is recovering from a thigh strain that he suffered in the first Test against West Indies and isn’t part of the ongoing second and final Test in Dhaka.

Noteworthy, Bangladesh will leave for New Zealand on February 24 with the three ODIs will be played on March 20, 23, and 26 in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington respectively, while the three T20Is are scheduled on March 28, 30, and April 1 in Hamilton, Napier, and Auckland respectively.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)