It’s tough to play all formats together: Shakib

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that it’s tough for him to continue playing all three formats – Test, ODI and T20 -- of the game of cricket due to the situation forced by Covid-19 pandemic, reports UNB.

The all-rounder recently skipped the tour of New Zealand for a two-match Test series.

It was not the first time when Shakib skipped a series due to his personal reasons. In recent interviews with different media, Shakib said it’s getting tough for him to spend quality time with his young family due to his schedule in cricket.

While talking to a private TV channel, Shakib said he knows which one is the most important format for him to take part in.

“I know which format should get my preference,” he said. “I think the time has come for me to think about how I play Test.” Shakib clearly indicated that he is not interested to play every Test match Bangladesh play.

Bangladesh’s neighbouring Test-playing nation India is looking to introduce a rotation policy to manage the workload of the players. But Bangladesh is yet to make such a move.

“I’m not saying that I’m retiring from Tests,” Shakib added. “But I can refrain from playing T20s after playing the 2022 World Cup. I might play Tests and ODIs then. But it’s not possible to play all three formats together.”

The 34-year-old all-rounder also said the pandemic-forced quarantine is also taking a toll on him. He said that staying in quarantine feels like “staying in a jail”.

Shakib is currently in the US with his family and will be there until the next season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) takes place.

According to the latest development, the new season of BPL will begin on 21 January. Shakib is expected to play for the team based in Barishal. However, it’s not official as yet.