BCB decides to include Shakib in Bangladesh tour of NZ

Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to include an uncertain Shakib Al Hasan in the 18-member squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Cricbuzz had earlier reported that Shakib is unlikely to be available for the New Zealand tour. BCB president Nazmul Hasan confirmed the report, stating that he's heard about Shakib's unavailability "informally" but revealed that the all-rounder is yet to make an official application. Nazmul said a decision will be made if and when Shakib applies.

Meanwhile, Saif Hassan, Rezaul Islam Raza and Naim Hassan were excluded from the squad while pace bowler Shoriful Islam is the only new inclusion. The touring party is scheduled to leave on December 9 for the two-match Test series which will be a part of the 2021-2023 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

Bangladesh will kick-start the new year at the Bay Oval in Tauranga by taking on the host in the opening Test, scheduled from January 1-5 The teams then head south to Christchurch for the second fixture, starting on January 9.

Due to relaxed quarantine, the tourists will have the opportunity to play two two-day games.

Squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Kumer Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Md Naim Sheikh.