Shakib recalled after ban amid ‘tough’ Mortaza call

ALL-ROUNDER Shakib Al Hasan (right) turned to Bangladesh’s preliminary squads for the upcoming home series against the West Indies after serving a one-year ban, but former captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been left out of the ODI mix.

Shakib, 33, had been slapped with the ban last year for failing to report corrupt approaches but was recalled in both the Test and one-day squads on Monday (4) for Bangladesh’s first international series since March.

Beginning on January 20, Bangladesh will play three ODIs against the West Indies, followed by two Tests next month.

Mashrafe’s omission comes amid speculation about the future of Bangladesh’s longest-serving captain.

“We respect him, he has done a lot for the country,” chief selector Minhajul Abedin said of the 37-yearold bowler. “I have spoken to him in detail, so there’s not going to be any misunderstanding. It was a tough decision but we have to consider the reality, and keep looking forward.”