Bangladesh will ask star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to return from Indian Premier League (IPL) and join the team’s World Cup preparation camp next week, the nation’s Cricket Board said Monday. Shakib is currently in India with his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Our camp is beginning. I have asked to send a letter to Shakib immediately to come back. Let’s see how he responds to this,” said Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan in Dhaka. “We have not discussed yet whether he will join the camp. Since the camp is going to start, its important send him a letter so that he can join.” Shakib has played just one game this season, where he up one wicket for 42 runs in 3.4 overs against his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
It was the only competitive game for Shakib since returning from an injury he picked up during the Bangladesh Premier League final in January. In a star-studded line-up featuring Australia’s David Warner, England’s Jonny Bairstow, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and Afghanistan duo Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, Bangladesh is concerned Shakib might not get more matches in the coming days. Unable to get enough games, Shakib recently invited his personal coach Mohammad Salahuddin to India in order to keep him ready for the World Cup.
Bangladesh will start their preparation camp for the tournament on April 22 and the team will leave for the UK in early May. They are scheduled to play a tri-nation tournament in Ireland from May 5-17. The World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 with Bangladesh starting their campaign against South Africa at the Oval on June.