Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, the world’s leading all-rounder, had requested a six-month break from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa, the country’s board said on Monday.
Bangladesh are likely to name their squad later on Monday for the South Africa tour comprising of two Tests, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games, starting on September 28.
“Shakib has handed a letter to the board, seeking a break from Test cricket,” Bangladesh cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP.
“He said he will be available for other formats during this period but he needed this break from Test cricket to refresh his body.
“We haven’t yet made any decision regarding his request. BCB president (Nazmul Hasan) will make the final decision.”
The BCB has now accepted the all-rounder’s request though he hasn’t been granted a six-month break as desired.
Shakib has been granted exemption from Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa starting later this month but the Board have kept the option open for the star man to rejoin the squad for the second Test if he so desires.
The left-hander has been omitted from Bangladesh’s 15-man squad for South Africa which was announced by the BCB on Monday.
Shakib starred in Bangladesh’s maiden Test win over Australia last month, claiming 10 wickets and scoring 84 runs.
The 30-year-old has played every Test for Bangladesh since missing two games against the West Indies in 2014 because of suspension.
His request for the Test break comes amid concerns over player fatigue, as well as criticism that players are prioritising earning money over representing their countries.
He is the first Bangladesh player to miss a Test voluntarily in their cricketing history.
Shakib is a regular at franchise-based Twenty20 tournaments around the world, and earned $712,000 from four Twenty20 competitions in 2016, according to Bangladesh’s Daily Star.