Shakib pleads for time off

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, the world’s leading allrounder, has requested a sixmonth break from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa, the country’s board said yesterday.

Bangladesh are likely to name their squad for the South Africa tour comprising two Tests, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games, starting on September 28.

“Shakib has handed a letter to the board, seeking a break from Test cricket,” Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP.

“He said he will be available for other formats during this period but he needed this break from Test cricket to refresh his body.

“We haven’t yet made any decision regarding his request. BCB president (Nazmul Hasan) will make the final decision.”

If the BCB accepts Shakib’s request, he will also miss the twoTest series against Sri Lanka at home in December-January. AFP