The Shakib Al Hasan vs Bangladesh Cricket Board drama continued on 12 March, Saturday, after the star all-rounder told his board that he will be travelling to South Africa.
If reports coming out of local media in Bangladesh are to be believed, Shakib changed his decision about a mental health break after returning from Dubai. It needs to be noted that Bangladesh had given Shakib a break till April 30 after much-publicised drama between him and board president Nazmul Hasan.
A trouble that has been brewing for a while now, saw Shakib getting a lot of stick from the board president for not prioritising national commitments. Despite the uncertainty over his availability, Shakib was contracted in all formats in the recently released roster from the BCB confirming that he is still in the board plans despite a straining relationship with the president.
Speaking to the reporters in Mirpur, Shakib stated that he had spoken to the president and he will be available for all three formats and the board will take a call on when to rest him. Holding a joint press conference alongside the Nazmul Hasan, Shakib said, "Now, I am in a better situation. After going to South Africa, I may get better."
While it seems like Shakib is confirmed to travel to the Rainbow nation for a three ODI and two Test tour that starts on 18 March, the BCB president clarified that the left hander's presence in South Africa does not mean that he will be playing all the games.
"Please don't speculate. He can be in a state where decision making could be difficult for him," Hasan stated.
Bangladesh will be staying in SA for their assignment till 12 April, but that should not be a problem for Shakib as he was not picked up by any team in the Indian Premier League mega auction held in February this year.