Shakib Al Hasan set to start training from September 5, former Bangladesh captain eyes international return

In light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka was pushed to October 2020. The 3-match Test series, which is a part of the inaugural edition of the ICC Test Championship 2019-21, was originally scheduled to begin in July. With the aforementioned Test series approaching, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to formal training from September 5 at the BKSP institute, under childhood coaches Nazmul Abedin and Mohammad Salauddin.

The estranged all-rounder was banned by the ICC, last year, as he had failed to report a corrupt approach. With the ban about to be lifted, Shakib would be eyeing an international comeback, ahead of the Sri Lanka series.

Meanwhile, BCB president Nazmul Hasan had already indicated at the veteran all-rounder’s return, which could likely be during the second game of the 3-match series. There is a possibility that the veteran cricketer is flown in to Sri Lanka before the start of the series, as his ban end on October 29.

“He will arrive in BKSP on Saturday [September 5] and we will start his training program afterwards. If he stays home to complete the 14-day quarantine, then his preparation time will be shortened and in that case his return in the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be in doubt. Shakib will be staying isolated in BKSP so he can complete the 14-day isolation period here,” said Nazmul, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“He will stay in a separate room while his dining will be separate and only me and Salahuddin [coach] will come close to him and we will maintain required distance so I don’t think isolation will be a problem,” he further added.

However, BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin has denied any such intimations by the board’s top brass.

“I cannot say anything regarding his international comeback as the team management will decide what they want to do about him. He is banned till October and after that we will take our next course of action. I cannot say anything without discussing with the team management and the head coach,” said Minhajul.