Bangladesh’s captain Shakib Al Hasan has made it clear that he will not be participating in the IPL 2024 Auction and the PSL 2024 Draft. Shakib’s absence from the players list for the upcoming IPL auction raised eyebrows among fans and cricket pundits alike.
Clarifying his stance, Shakib revealed that he didn’t put his name in the IPL 2024 Auction and though his manager initially entered his name for the PSL 2024 draft, he subsequently decided to withdraw it.
Shakib Al Hasan will only participate in the BPL
Currently recovering from a finger injury sustained during the recent ODI World Cup, Shakib emphasized his commitment to the national team and his decision to focus solely on the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) among franchise tournaments.
“I did not give my name in the IPL, and when my manager entered my name in the PSL, I told him to withdraw it. I plan to give all this time to the national team because I will sacrifice the franchise tournaments that I used to play,” Shakib stated during a private program in the USA.
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Shakib, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2023 auction for INR 1.5 crore, opted out of the tournament, citing his intention to prioritize his recovery and national commitments. Expressing his desire to continue playing in all three formats, Shakib acknowledged the uncertainty of the future but affirmed his commitment to a prolonged cricketing career.
Shakib needs two more weeks to recover from injury
The star all-rounder, currently ruled out of Bangladesh squad due to injury, will not be part of their upcoming white-ball tour to New Zealand. However, he may return to action during the BPL 2024, commencing on January 19.
“I was hoping to go to New Zealand for the ODI and T20 series. As of now, the team is departing for the tour, and I was planning that way because I felt I would be okay in four weeks. However, I consulted with a doctor two days back, and he advised me to wait, as I will need another two weeks and then start the rehabilitation,” Shakib added.