Shakib Al Hasan's availability confirmed for remaining Test matches despite political unrest

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Bangladesh Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has put to rest any doubts surrounding all-rounder Shakib al Hasan's participation in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan scheduled to take place this month. 

In a statement made earlier today, Lipu confirmed that Shakib will be available for all eight remaining Test matches scheduled for Bangladesh in 2024.

Speculation had arisen that Shakib might miss Bangladesh's forthcoming two-Test series against Pakistan due to recent political upheavals. These concerns emerged after Sheikh Hasina's resignation as prime minister on August 5 and the subsequent dissolution of parliament, where Shakib was a member of the Awami League party. The political turmoil led to fears that Shakib's availability could be affected.

However, the Chief Selector dismissed these concerns, affirming that Shakib will indeed be part of the squad for the Pakistan tour. 

The 16-member team for the series was announced yesterday, with Shakib included despite earlier media reports suggesting otherwise.

Lipu reassured the media that Shakib had confirmed his availability for the entire Test calendar.

"We have eight Tests scheduled this year, which will conclude in the West Indies in December. He [Shakib] will be available for all of them," Lipu said.

The Chief Selector also mentioned that discussions with Shakib were held prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and reaffirmed his commitment to the Test matches. 

"I spoke with Shakib probably at the end of July and there were discussions regarding his fitness. During the Zimbabwe series [in May], we [selectors] wanted to know his short-term plan as we have a lot of Test matches lined up till December, eight in total. He had assured us that he would be available. But in the current scenario, I had to ask him again," he said.

"It was also important for us to know whether he will be available for the practice sessions before every series. That was a criterion for selection from our point of view," the chief selector said," he added.

Security remains a significant concern, with Lipu emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of all players and support staff. 

"In practice sessions, there are security concerns regarding every player or official. Their security definitely has to be ensured in the current circumstances," he said.

Lipu also highlighted that Shakib's selection was based on his on-field performances, rather than his political background. 

"Outside of sports, he was also a political figure. But he was selected because of his merit. We have considered his talent. In the future too, we will continue to value merit," he concluded.

Following the Pakistan series, Bangladesh has a packed schedule of Test matches against India, South Africa, and the West Indies, stretching through to December. 

The Bangladesh team is set to depart for Pakistan this afternoon.

Bangladesh Test Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed

Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi