Shakib Al Hasan's remarks that playing Zimbabwe in a T20 series was not adequate preparation for upcoming the T20 World Cup had caused quite a bit of stir.

Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is yet to take part in the T20I series as he prioritised playing in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) first to get back into rhythm, had highlighted on Saturday that playing Zimbabwe was not ideal preparations.

Shakib Al Hasan raised both hands in the air, but his celebration was a little muted for someone who struck his first ton in five years, during a Dhaka Premier League match for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club against Gazi Group Cricketers at BKSP Ground 4 on Friday.

Shakib, playing his 307th List A match, reached three figures in 73 deliveries.

“We have included Afif Hossain. As Shakib is not in the squad for the first three matches, we have picked Afif in his place,”

Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan put an end to speculations about his availability in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at home, reassuring that he will indeed play the series. 

“Shakib will return to Bangladesh by the end of this month. There is a possibility of him playing one or two matches in the DPL. Then he will join the team,” Lipu told the reporters in Mirpur today

“This many people usually don’t turn up to see a fitness test at six in the morning. I’m sure they are here because it’s happening at the Bangabandhu [National] Stadium,” said Shahriar Nafees, the current cricket operations manager, after the national team’s fitness test at the famed venue yesterday.

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) action moves into the Super League phase following Eid holidays, starting on Monday.

While Tamim Iqbal started for Prime Bank Cricket Club, Shakib Al Hasan was not included in the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club eleven during the two sides’ Dhaka Premier League (DPL) encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he didn't feel all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is 37 years of age following the latter's decent performance on return to Test cricket.

Bangladesh and Chennai Super Kings pacer Mustafizur Rahman bagged one wicket in the IPL game against Delhi Capitals on Sunday, and in the process achieved a rare milestone.

Bangladesh were 55 for one at the end of second day's play in the Chattogram Test on Sunday. Zakir Hasan was unbeaten on 28 alongside night-watchman Taijul Islam (0), with Mahmudul Hasan Joy (21) the only batsman dismissed. 

Bangladesh team’s assistant coach Nic Pothas yesterday said the Test team’s batting unit is going through a rebuilding stage and everyone needs to remain patient, a statement that contradicts what other important figures of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had said in the days prior.

The Tigers' interim head coach was also happy with the preparation that Shakib has come with despite being out of the national team for a while.

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who had initially opted to sit out the Sri Lanka series owing to fitness issues, joined the Bangladesh Test squad on Thursday ahead of their second and final match against the Lankans in Chattogram on Saturday. Having already suffered a 328-run thumping in the first Test in Sylhet, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto would be delighted to have the all-rounder available for the crucial contest. Shakib returned to the longer format after nearly a year-long absence. He last played a Test against Ireland in Mirpur in April last year and has not even played any longer-version domestic cricket since then. Photos: Rajib Raihan

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, suffered a 328-run hammering at the hands of the Lankans following an abysmal batting performance in the series opener in Sylhet. 

Former Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan said that he believes the Tigers have the capability to do well and even win their upcoming Test against Sri Lanka.

Former national captain Mohammad Ashraful emphasized more importance on Shakib's experience rather than the numbers.

Shakib Al Hasan will play the second Test against Sri Lanka in Chattogram, starting on March 30, with some form with the bat after scoring a fluent half-century in the Dhaka Premier League match on Wednesday.