Shakib Al Hasan's inclusion in Pakistan vs Bangladesh Tests doubtful: Reports

The political unrest in Bangladesh has cast doubts on Shakib Al Hasan's participation in the Test series against Pakistan. Bangladesh are slated to tour Pakistan for two Tests, beginning from August 21 at Rawalpindi.

Shakib had expressed how eager he was to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and be a part of the series. He is currently featuring in the Global T20 Canada. The 37-year-old has received an NOC from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) until August 12 and was expected to join the team in either Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Shakib was an MP of Awami League which formed the government that has fallen since August 6 due to the President's rule following the student unrest. Because of the political unrest, his return to Bangladesh is uncertain. According to a report by The Daily Star, it remains unclear whether his political stance will impact his place in the Bangladesh team.

Another concern about Shakib Al Hasan is whether his body can sustain the demands of the longest format. Here's what a BCB official told The Daily Star:

"Before it was just about whether he [Shakib] could come to Bangladesh and then travel to Pakistan. He's been playing cricket but in a format where he has to score quickly in short time. And even though he knows how to play longer matches, there's a concern about whether he can handle the physical demands [of Test cricket]."

The meeting between the selectors, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha has been postponed several times because of the unrest. Once that takes place, it would get clearer as to whether Shakib has made the final 15-member squad that would travel to Pakistan.

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Shahriar Nafees on Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh Cricket Operations in charge Shahriar Nafees expressed his opinion on whether Shakib Al Hasan will be available for selection in the series against Pakistan. Giving nothing away to the reporters, he said:

"He is only a cricketer now. There is a question of whether he is available for the series now, and another being whether he gets picked for the tour. We will run our activity keeping these two factors in mind."

Shakib is leading the Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada and they will play their Eliminator against the Toronto Nationals on August 9.