Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan will continue playing for English county side Worcestershire, it was announced yesterday.
Shakib will join Worcestershire for a seven-week period during June and July this year, which will include the Friends Provident Twenty20 competition. The signing is subject to receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board and work permit approval.
Shakib took 35 wickets in just eight matches, making him their third highest wicket-taker during last season. His bowling figures included an inspired 7-32 against Middlesex.
“My first season with Worcestershire in county cricket has made me a better professional and hopefully, a better player and I have realised how important a role the championship plays in the development of cricketers,” said Shakib.
“Shakib is still ranked as the world’s leading one-day all-rounder, above the names of [Shane] Watson and [Jacques] Kallis,” commented Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes.
“We are delighted to welcome back someone of such stature who will be a valuable asset to our LV Championship and Friends Provident campaigns during his stay.
“His commitments with Bangladesh means that his stay is only for a short period, but expect some ‘fireworks’ from Shakib in the middle of the season,” he added.
Worcestershire has already signed Australian Damien Wright and Pakistan international Saeed Ajmal in the last week.
