Cricket

Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed his availability for all eight Test matches scheduled in 2024, providing a significant boost to the team's World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed Shakib's commitment, stating that the player had assured the selectors of his participation in all practice sessions and Test matches. This is a significant development, as Shakib had previously expressed uncertainty about his availability beyond the upcoming Pakistan series.Shakib's return to the Test fold is crucial for Bangladesh, as he is one of the world's leading all-rounders. His presence in the team provides balance and depth, both with bat and ball. Hossain emphasized Shakib's importance, stating that he is "one of the best all-rounders over the past years."Bangladesh's Test schedule in 2024 includes four two-match series against Pakistan, India, South Africa, and the West Indies. These matches are part of the WTC cycle, which determines the top-ranked Test team in the world.Shakib's availability for all these matches will be a major asset for Bangladesh, as they aim to improve their position in the WTC standings. The team currently sits in ninth place, but with Shakib in the lineup, they have a chance to challenge the top teams.The WTC series against Pakistan begins on August 21, with the second match starting on August 30. Shakib is expected to join the team on August 14 or 15 and participate in practice sessions before the first Test.

Bangladesh's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan has been announced, with the return of experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. The series, scheduled to begin later this month, will see Bangladesh face a formidable challenge against the hosts.Mushfiqur, who missed the recent Test series against Sri Lanka due to a thumb injury, is a crucial addition to the batting lineup. His experience and ability to anchor the innings will be invaluable against Pakistan's potent bowling attack. Taskin, on the other hand, has been rested from red-ball cricket to manage his shoulder injury. He will only be available for the second Test in Karachi, but will play the second four-day game for Bangladesh A on August 20 to regain match fitness.The squad also includes senior allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has made himself available for selection after stepping down as a member of parliament. Shakib's experience and all-round abilities will be crucial for Bangladesh's chances of success.Six players from the Test squad, including Mushfiqur and captain Mominul Haque, have already arrived in Pakistan as part of the Bangladesh A side. They will play the first four-day game in Islamabad from August 13.Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain emphasized the importance of selecting the best players for this series. "This is a well-balanced squad," he said. "The likes of Mushfiqur, Mominul, and Shakib have played over 216 matches combined, and there is no substitute for that kind of experience."Bangladesh's pace attack will be led by Taskin, who last played a Test in January against New Zealand. The squad also includes four other pacers: Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nayeem Hasan."We have selected five pacers mindful of the fact that Taskin Ahmed will only play the second Test," Ashraf said. "We have decided to include him in the A Team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer version matches."Bangladesh will have additional time to prepare in Pakistan, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The squad will train at the Gaddafi Stadium from August 14 to 16 before traveling to Islamabad on August 17.

Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian T20I captain, has etched his name among the elite cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals. His fifth such accolade places him just behind Virat Kohli, who holds the record with six awards. Yadav now shares this distinction with Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Australia's David Warner.Yadav's rise to this milestone has been marked by his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure. In his 71 T20I appearances, he has amassed 2432 runs at an impressive average of 42.67. His recent performances have solidified his position in the team and earned him recognition as one of the most formidable T20I players globally.Yadav's Player of the Series awards have come through match-winning performances, highlighting his consistency and importance to the Indian cricket team. His inclusion in the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, who have been pillars for their respective teams, underscores Yadav's significant impact in international cricket.Shakib is known for his all-round capabilities, while Warner is renowned for his explosive batting. Yadav's inclusion in this elite list reflects his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.Meanwhile, Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir have kickstarted their new partnership with a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka. This victory marked a successful beginning for Gambhir's tenure as head coach and highlighted Yadav's crucial role in leading the team to success.Yadav's journey to this milestone is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive batting and match-winning performances have made him a vital cog in the Indian cricket team and one of the most exciting players to watch in T20 cricket.

Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming tour of India later this year. The tour, scheduled from September 19 to October 12, will feature two Tests and three T20Is.Shakib's hesitation stems from his busy schedule, which includes the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the Major League Cricket (MLC) season two in the USA. He is set to play for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC, which begins on July 5."I don't have many plans. There are two T20 tournaments in front of me. One is MLC and the other one is the Global T20 League in Canada, and let me see where I stand after playing these two tournaments because I need to understand (how I feel)," Shakib said."There is international cricket and there is a series against Pakistan and I am planning till that point of time and not planning beyond that. Now I don't have time to plan for three-four years and so planning for three to six months is better, and later I will think about my next plan. For now, I am planning till the Pakistan series," he added.Shakib also addressed the controversy surrounding fast-bowler Taskin Ahmed's absence from the Super Eights clash against India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Taskin had initially claimed that he missed the team bus, but later clarified that he had arrived on time."Taskin apologized to the team for that afterwards and everyone in the team took it normally because a man can mistake and anyone can commit unintentional mistake. He accepted it and the thing ended at that point of time," Shakib said.Bangladesh's tour of India will be their first since 2019. The two teams last met in a T20I series in November 2022, which India won 2-1.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has criticized Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's batting approach during their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against India. Bangladesh suffered a 50-run loss in the encounter, with Shakib scoring only 11 runs off seven balls.Sehwag expressed his disapproval of Shakib's decision to attempt a boundary shot against Kuldeep Yadav, resulting in his dismissal. He believes that Shakib should have played a more supportive role to his batting partner and stayed at the crease for a longer duration."When you have a set batter with you at the crease, at least support him. At least stay out in the middle and spend some time, try to get something out of the match," Sehwag said. "Instead, only 11 runs were scored off seven deliveries and then he walked back. So, I did not understand that."Sehwag also suggested that Shakib consider retiring from the sport to make way for younger players. "He has so much experience. So, is he not making the most of it or does he simply not care? or was he thinking that the target is too big and I just scored a six, and now I will score a six off every ball," Sehwag added.Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semifinals have become slim after suffering two defeats in the Super Eight stage. Their last match will be against Afghanistan on June 25.

Bangladesh's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight game against India has drawn criticism from two of the team's most prominent players, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Shakib expressed frustration over the team's lack of intent and fighting spirit, while Tamim questioned some of the tactical decisions made by the management.Shakib, who scored only 11 runs off seven balls, lamented the team's inability to chase down India's total of 196. He pointed out that Bangladesh's top order has consistently underperformed throughout the tournament, failing to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions in Antigua."We couldn't even show our intent of wanting to chase India's runs," Shakib said. "We are short of runs as a batting unit. We made 140 in the last game, 146 today. We should have done better today since we had a target in front of us."Tamim, who was commentating on the match for ESPNcricinfo, echoed Shakib's concerns. He expressed surprise at Bangladesh's lack of intent with the bat and questioned the decision to leave out Taskin Ahmed in favor of an extra batter."Bangladesh's batting has disappointed in this whole tournament," Tamim said. "The think-tank really needs to think about how they will go from here on."Tamim also criticized the decision to not give the new ball to Mustafizur Rahman, who has a reputation for troubling Rohit Sharma with his left-arm pace. He suggested that Bangladesh missed an opportunity to exploit Sharma's weakness.Shakib and Tamim both acknowledged that Bangladesh's batting struggles are not new. They pointed out that the team tends to perform better on tricky wickets than on good batting surfaces."We don't really do well when we play on flat wickets that produce 180-200 runs," Shakib said. "We play better on wickets that produce 130-150 runs."Tamim added that Bangladesh's batters are not accustomed to playing on good batting wickets, which has hindered their development. He suggested that the team needs to prioritize playing on better surfaces to improve their batting skills."Bangladesh [usually] play in difficult wicket for batters," Tamim said. "They also can't start scoring runs freely when you put them in a very good wicket."

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan has etched his name in the annals of T20 World Cup history by becoming the first bowler to claim 50 wickets in the tournament. The veteran all-rounder achieved the milestone during Bangladesh's Super Eight clash against India in Adelaide on Saturday.Shakib's 50th wicket came in the form of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who was caught at mid-off for 23 off 11 deliveries. The left-arm spinner has now played 42 T20 World Cup matches, averaging 19.38 with an impressive strike rate of 6.81.Shakib's achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He is now the undisputed leader in the list of most wickets taken at T20 World Cups, well ahead of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi (39 wickets) and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga (38 wickets).The Bangladesh star has been a key figure in his team's success at the tournament. He was instrumental in Bangladesh's historic victory over England in the 2016 edition, where he took 10 wickets and scored 114 runs.Shakib's milestone comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, who are looking to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time. They face a tough challenge against India, who are the defending champions and have won all four previous T20 World Cup encounters between the two teams.However, with Shakib leading the charge, Bangladesh will be confident of causing an upset and keeping their hopes of reaching the last four alive.

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup group game on Thursday. Shakib's unbeaten 64 off 46 deliveries, studded with nine fours, propelled Bangladesh to a comfortable victory.However, Shakib's recent form had come under scrutiny, with former India batting great Virender Sehwag questioning his place in the current team. Sehwag had criticized Shakib's numbers in the shortest format, calling them "shameful" and suggesting that he should have retired from T20 cricket long ago.In response to Sehwag's comments, Shakib initially appeared to dismiss them, asking "who?" when asked about the former India opener. However, a subsequent video clarified that Shakib had misunderstood the question and was not intentionally disrespecting Sehwag.Instead, Shakib acknowledged that criticism is part of a player's life when they are not performing well. "When a player can't contribute, then naturally there would be discussions," he said. "I don't think it is a bad thing."Shakib's performance against the Netherlands was a timely reminder of his class and experience. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he paced his innings perfectly and found the boundaries with ease.The victory was crucial for Bangladesh, who are aiming to reach the Super 12 stage of the tournament. Shakib's knock not only helped his team secure two valuable points but also silenced his critics and proved that he still has plenty to offer at the international level.

Former Bangladesh cricketer Imrul Kayes has strongly condemned Virender Sehwag's recent criticism of Shakib Al Hasan, calling it disrespectful and unwarranted. Sehwag had criticized Shakib's performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, suggesting that he should retire and remember his Bangladeshi identity.Kayes, in an interview with CricFrenzy, expressed his disappointment with Sehwag's comments. He pointed out that legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid would never make such disrespectful remarks. Kayes believes that Sehwag's lack of respect stems from his own experiences during his playing career."I don't know how a legendary cricketer like him thinks when he says such things," Kayes said. "You won't see Sachin-Dravid talking like this because they give that respect to players. Since he didn't get that respect in his career, he doesn't know how to give that respect to other players."Kayes also criticized Sehwag's previous comments about Bangladesh cricket, saying that he has consistently made disparaging remarks about the country's cricket environment and ability. However, Kayes pointed out that Bangladesh has proven Sehwag wrong by taking 20 wickets in Test cricket.Kayes praised Shakib Al Hasan for his achievements, emphasizing that he is a respected and accomplished cricketer. He believes that such players deserve to be treated with respect, regardless of their recent form."Shakib did not become Shakib Al Hasan in one or two days," Kayes said. "If you look at his career, you will see many achievements. He has been the number one all-rounder in all three formats for a long time. I think such cricketers should be spoken about with respect."Kayes' comments highlight the importance of respect and sportsmanship in cricket. He believes that legendary players should set a positive example for younger generations and avoid making disrespectful remarks about other players.