Ace all-rounder Sakib al Hasan is relieved to be back to all forms of cricket and thanked Bangladesh Cricket Board after they lifted the embargo on him from playing in overseas leagues. BCB on Thursday formally lifted the ban on Sakib, imposed on July 7 and scheduled to run until December 31, 2015. ‘I am very happy,’ Sakib told reporters at a formal media gathering at a city shopping mall on Friday.
‘No one wants one of his parts being tied up,’ said Sakib. ‘I am extremely thankful to BCB for lifting the sanction on me,’ he said.
Sakib said he is eager to play in the overseas leagues as that will help him to increase his potential, which will eventually help him play better for Bangladesh. ‘I am always inspired to play for my country. Playing abroad helps me improve my performance, which also helps me play better for my country,’ he said.
The BCB earlier lifted the six-month ban on Sakib from all sorts of cricket after two-and-a-half months, which allowed him to make a comeback in the recently concluded home series against Zimbabwe. Sakib returned with some electrifying performances that helped the Tigers sweep away Zimbabwe in the three-match Test series, followed by five-match one-day internationals, prompting BCB to back track from their earlier stance.
However, Sakib is still in dark regarding his participation in the forthcoming Big Bash Twenty20, scheduled to start in Australia from December 18, though he is optimistic about his chances.
Sakib featured for Adelaide Strikers during the last edition and was expected to join them before being taken to task by BCB for ‘serious attitude problem.’
‘I am not sure for which team I will play,’ said Sakib. ‘I am hopeful that I will get a team.’
‘I had an agreement with a team earlier but due to suspension it no longer exists. My manager is looking after the matter and if anything happens, they will let me know.’
‘It’s under process. It can take one or two days or even one or two weeks. It might also not happen at all. So let’s see what is there for me,’ he said.
Rather than losing sleep over Big Bash, Sakib looked extremely concerned about their preparations for next year’s World Cup and according to him, it won’t be easy for the Tigers, considering the different conditions.
‘Preparation will be extremely crucial for us,’ said Sakib.
‘We have to utilise the time that we will get there [Australia, New Zealand] before the start of the World Cup,’ said Saklb.
Bangladesh will be leaving on January 26 to play some practice matches in Australia early before the two ICC warm-up matches against Pakistan and Ireland on December 9 and 12 respectively.
-With New Age input
