Shakib Al Hasan is not named in the squad announced for the first 3 matches of the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The ‘champion all-rounder’ will not play the first 2 matches, the team’s chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has said earlier.

On the day of announcing the 17-member team for 3-day pre-preparation from April 26 to 28 in Chittagong, the chief selector said that Mostafizur Rahman will not play the first match. And Shakib will not play at least the first 2 matches. At that time, Shakib will participate in at least two matches in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) after returning home from the United States.

That is the truth. After the announcement of the team on Sunday night, it has been confirmed that Shakib and Mustafiz will not be in the first matches. Because Shakib and Mustafiz are not named in the 15-man squad for the first 3 T20 matches.

Hannan Sarkar, one of the selectors of the team, said that Shakib will not play the first 3 matches. But will play the last 2 matches of the series. That means, Shakib will not be seen in any match for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe at Chittagong Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. However, the Tiger all-rounder will play the two T20 matches on April 10 and 12 in Sher-e-Bangla.

Hannan Sarkar said, “Sakib will come to the country on the 30th.” He asked us for one thing. He wants to play two matches in DPL. After talking to the management and the cricket board we felt it could be good. Because, he does not have the time required to develop himself in the T20 format. He can prepare himself through DPL. Naturally, he was not included in the team in the first 3 matches.

Why is Mustafiz not in the first 3 matches? While giving his explanation, Hannan Sarkar said, ‘Mustafiz is in a continuous game. So we did not keep him in the team for the first 3 matches. He needs mental and physical recovery. He wanted recovery time at any stage. We have decided to give him rest in the first step.