Continuing all three formats is almost impossible, says Shakib


Mashfiq Mizan | Published: December 23, 2021 23:24:44 | Updated: January 05, 2022 21:34:59


Photo: ESPNCricinfo

Shakib hinted at further breaks from international duties as the stalwart said it is close to impossible to play all three formats during the pandemic.

“Time has come for me to think about Test cricket, whether I will play or not. And even if I do, how I will play the format.”

Shakib also foreshadowed his future absence from one-day cricket if the fixtures were not part of the ODI  super league. 

“I also need to consider if I need to participate in ODIs where no points are at stake. I don't have any other option,” the star all-rounder said while talking to a Dhaka based private TV channel.

"I am not saying I will retire from Tests. It might even happen that I stop playing T20Is after the 2022 T20 World Cup. I can play Tests and ODIs. But playing three formats is almost close to impossible,” he added.

Shakib committed that he will plan about his availability with BCB at the beginning of 2022 so that he doesn’t leave the team hanging just before a series, as he did multiple times in the past.

“I will definitely plan well with BCB and then go forward. It will be the smart thing to do,” the star all-rounder noted.

The 34-year old said that the pandemic and bio-bubble have contributed to his thinking process.

“It’s like living in a jail. Coronavirus isn't going away easily. We have to find a new way to survive this.” 

When you can't meet your three little kids regularly, it becomes an unhealthy situation,” remarked Shakib.

Shakib has already skipped Bangladesh's upcoming Test series against New Zealand that begins on January 1 citing family reasons.

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