As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming cricket tour of Sri Lanka, there is one question that looms large: Will their captain Shakib Al Hasan be able to lead the team on the island? The talismanic all-rounder, currently participating in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the Rangpur Riders, faces issues with his vision, an ailment that has put a question mark over his involvement in the tour that features two Tests, three ODIs, and an equal number of T20Is scheduled to commence next month.
Despite these troubles, Shakib has continued to play in the BPL. However, raising more eyebrows, he has not batted in the last two games for the Riders, though he has been successful with the ball. This unusual development on the field has sparked speculation concerning his preparedness for the high-profile series against Sri Lanka.
Shakib expressed an air of mystery when probed about his prospects, saying, “Time will tell.” Speaking to reporters after a triumphant match where the Riders dominated the Sylhet Strikers by a 77-run margin, he acknowledged the need for a thorough discussion with cricket officials post the BPL before making any definitive announcements regarding his participation in the Sri Lanka tour.
Compounding the situation further is Shakib’s own reflection on his tenure as the ODI captain. Following Bangladesh’s underperforming World Cup campaign the previous year, he has considered stepping down from this leadership role, yet no conclusive decisions have been made. “We are still playing the tournament. I will speak to the officials, and then take the decision about playing in Sri Lanka or not,” he assured, leaving the door open for many possibilities. “I will take a decision in this regard (ODI captaincy) after talking with the board, but we still have not discussed it,” Shakib delineated, shedding light on the uncertainty that hovers over his captaincy.
Shakib’s journey with the Rangpur Riders this season has been tinged with personal dissatisfaction as he confronts a novel professional challenge — not contributing with the bat. “The more I score runs, the more comfortable I will be. I can’t find the rhythm when there are no runs,” he lamented, expressing a struggle any cricketer dreads. It’s the reluctance to meet only half the expectations that gnaws at him, the first time in his prestigious career he has felt inhibited to perform as a complete all-rounder.
Admitting his ordeal, Shakib observed, “I have never done this in my life, just playing with one side. It is the first time, and I feel for the Rangpur Riders.” Such candid reflections provide a glimpse into the athlete’s turmoil, given how he holds himself to the high standards synonymous with his name. “I realized that when the time is bad, everything goes bad.”
Despite the challenges, he holds a defiant stance regarding his cricket journey, dismissing any talk of an early exit from the sport he has graced for so long. “I am not thinking about anything else (like quitting cricket),” he asserted, solidifying his commitment to the game and his nation. “Now I am trying (to make a comeback), and let me finish my effort, and later will think about it,” Shakib concluded, displaying a resilient mindset.
In the shadow of uncertainty, the Bangladesh cricket fraternity and fans eagerly wait for Shakib’s final word. His leadership, skills, and experience are invaluable assets that the team would be hard-pressed to replace in the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, which presents not just another series but an opportunity to shake off past disappointments and craft a victorious narrative. As the BPL reaches its climax, all eyes will remain fixed on Shakib Al Hasan, anticipating the decision that could significantly tilt the scales of Bangladesh cricket’s immediate future.
