Shakib Al Hasan opts out of Ind T20 League 2023

Shakib Al Hasan has opted out of Indian T20 League 2023 citing international engagements and personal reasons. It is learned that Shakib informed Kolkata about this development on Sunday. The franchise will commence the process of finding a replacement once it gets a green light from the Indian T20 League

Shakib has a packed international schedule ahead of him. He and wicket keeper batter Liton Das already missed Kolkata’s opening match of the season, against Punjab while playing a home T20I series against Ireland. The two are also a part of Bangladesh’s squad for a one off Test match against Ireland that starts from Tuesday followed by a tour of the UK where Bangladesh are set to complete in three ODIs against Ireland in Chelmsford on May 9, 12 and 14. 

As per the sources Shakib told Kolkata that he would be busy on national duty in this period, and also stated that he has “personal issues to attend to”, which would keep away from Ind T20 League. 

The development has also brought Litton under the spotlight. The 28 year old was signed by the Kolkata franchise at the 2023 player auction in December last year. Litton will be part of the same two series Shakib will be involved in, against Ireland, but remains part of the Kolkata squad at the moment. There was no clarity or confirmation regarding Das’s stance on this.

 The Ind T20 League had informed teams about the availability of overseas players on December 22, a day before the auction. The Bangladesh Cricket Board at the time had informed the Ind T20 League about the “limited availability” of its players. BCB told that the Bangladesh players shortlisted for the Ireland series would be “available from April 8 to May 1” 

Kolkata on March 18 had communicated to the media that Shakib would arrive in India after the third T20I against Ireland on March 31, while Liton would come here after the conclusion of the one off Test match i.e. April 8. 

With no Shakib on its side, the Kolkata franchise have only six overseas options in their squad, including Litton. The team has already suffered a massive blow in the form of Shreyas Iyer, who has been ruled out of at least the first half of the season with a back injury. 

Kolkata lost the only game they’ve played this season so far. They will play their second game against Bangalore on Thursday at home.