‘Will think about it after Abu Dhabi T10’: Shakib on when he could play next for Tigers

Bangladesh premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is not sweating over when he could next appear for the Tigers at the moment, mentioning that he is now focusing on the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, which is set to begin today.

Shakib, skipper of the Bangla Tigers who will be debuting in the tournament in the UAE, will face Samp Army at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi today after the tournament kicks off with a game between Ajman Bolts and Team Abu Dhabi at the same venue.

Shakib, who was present at the captains' gathering at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, was asked when he could play for Bangladesh next.

Shakib kept his answer short and casual, saying: "Will think about [the prospect of playing for Bangladesh again] after this tournament."

Shakib, meanwhile, was hopeful his Bangla Tigers team would be competitive in the 10-team Abu Dhabi T10.

"If I talk about our plans, then everything would be revealed ahead of time. But, all the teams playing in his competition are very strong. And, every team will want to be champions, just like our team. I think we have a balanced side that can compete in this tournament," Shakib added.

Shakib had earlier expressed his desire to play in the first home Test against South Africa last month, saying that he would have considered it as his swansong from the format. However, the all-rounder, a former lawmaker of the ousted Awami League government, was not able to return to the country due to security concerns.

The 37-year-old had also mentioned that he had already played his final T20I game for Bangladesh when he represented the country in the previous T20 World Cup and that he would be bidding adieu to the ODI format after representing the country in the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to begin in February next year.