Shakib asks BCB for paternity leave, set to miss NZ tour
Shakib has written to the BCB to not consider him in the New Zealand tour team as he is likely to have a child. Akram Khan, chairman of the BCB's cricket operations, confirmed the matter.
Shakib Al Hasan has officially asked for paternity leave during Bangladesh's upcoming tour to New Zealand as the all-rounder and his wife are expecting the birth of their third child. He had earlier verbally informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that he would not tour New Zealand. This time he has officially asked for leave.
Shakib has written to the BCB to not consider him in the New Zealand tour team as he is likely to have a child. Akram Khan, chairman of the BCB's cricket operations, confirmed the matter.
"We have received a letter," the BCB director said. "Shakib wants a leave during the New Zealand tour. Shakib wants to be with his expectant wife in the US. But we are yet to take a decision."
The star cricketer became a father for the second time in April 2020. Shakib, at that time, was serving a one-year ban imposed on him by the ICC. He made a stellar comeback into international cricket and bagged a man of the series award against the West Indies.
He started well in the first Test as well, scoring an excellent 68 in the first innings. But the all-rounder couldn't bowl more than six overs as he sustained a left thigh injury. Shakib watched the West Indies create history from the sidelines. The BCB informed on Monday that Shakib wouldn't take further part in the series as he is yet to recover from the thigh strain.