Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh's Test and T20 teams, stated on Saturday that he intends to participate in as many games as he can for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the upcoming Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL), which is scheduled to begin on March 15.
However, the all-rounder also emphasized the truth about his lack of availability for the premier 50-over domestic competition.
Due to his involvement in the national team's tour of South Africa and his subsequent absence from cricket for a few days due to a family crisis, Shakib was unable to play for the Black and Whites in the previous season after his team's first-phase exit. Later, the top all-rounder participated in the league's remaining games for Legends of Rupganj.
This season, the situation might not be much different because Shakib will be busy with a home series against Ireland beginning on March 18 before traveling to Ireland for a three-match ODI series and four T20Is.
However, the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin on March 31, has Shakib signed for this year by the two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
"I will try to play for Mohammedan but you know I have national team commitment and there is IPL. Still, I will try to play as many matches as possible and accompany the team," Shakib said to the reporters after a meeting with the club officials at a hotel in the capital today.
"We could not make it to the Super League as a number of players failed to feature for the side due to their national commitment. Hopefully we can play as a team in this season and fulfil the long-awaited dream of the club," he added.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan announced that Imrul Kayes will lead the team this season.
