Shakib likely to skip Afghanistan ODIs: BCB chief

BCB President Faruque Ahmed announced that Shakib Al Hasan is unlikely to play in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, following the all-rounder's decision to opt out. 

Shakib, who has not played since the India series, had expressed an emotional disappointment over missing what was meant to be his farewell Test in Dhaka due to government decisions around security concerns.

Shakib is expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers, using the tournament to regain form ahead of Bangladesh's West Indies tour, where he will join the ODI squad for three ODIs as well as prepare for the Champions Trophy in early 2025. 

"Shakib hasn't been training much since he missed his farewell Test, so we think he may need some time to regroup. We haven�t finalized anything, but it�s likely he will sit out of the Afghanistan series," Faruque explained during a press conference.

However, Shakib's performance in franchise leagues could still keep him in contention for future ODIs, provided selectors feel his training abroad keeps him match-ready. Faruque added, "If the selectors believe his game time in the T10 League is enough, we will consider him for the West Indies series and beyond."

Meanwhile, the BCB has yet to confirm the squad for the Afghanistan series beginning on November 6, as Faruque also plans to discuss leadership concerns with Najmul Hossain Shanto, who recently expressed reservations about his captaincy role.