After a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in India, Bangladesh had sealed its borders from the neighboring country and had imposed a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from India which won’t allow its IPL-contracted players the time to prepare for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

While BCB was trying to get the quarantine period reduced for Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman so that they could join the team at the earliest ahead of the Sri Lanka series, Bangladesh's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) officials told Cricbuzz that the duo won’t get any relaxation of quarantine protocol.

“They will have to do 14-day institutional quarantine. BCB had applied to us for them (reducing the quarantine period) but we have informed them that they don't have any other choice but to follow the rule that is applicable for everyone,” the director-general of DGHS said.

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As even the flights from India to Bangladesh were also restricted, Shakib and Mustafizur will be reaching Dhaka through a special arrangement.

“There is no flight at the moment, so if they have to come, they will have to come on a special arrangement,” said BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury.

While the BCB is eager to have this duo for the upcoming series, Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo is not too concerned with the lack of preparation of Shakib and Mustafizur.

“Players will have three days of practice before the Eid vacation. And good to have Shakib and Mustafizur back when they do arrive. I've seen Mustafizur bowl good cutters. Those types of wickets are really helping his type of bowling and it good to see him having a good campaign so far,” Domingo said.

(With Cricbuzz inputs)