Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan on Wednesday has returned to the country to take part in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) for Legends of Rupganj.
While leaving the Airport, Shakib confirmed that he will be available for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series, which is set to be played in May.
"I don't think there was any doubt. Yes, I will play the Sri Lanka series. If I stay fit, I will undoubtedly play," Shakib told the media.
The 34-year-old was forced to return home from South Africa after the third ODI due to a family emergency. He also missed the DPL league matches.
However, Shakib was roped by Mashrafe Mortaza led Legends of Rupganj for the Super League stage. Shakib originally signed with the Mohammedan Sporting Club, but the team failed to qualify for the Super Six. He was later cleared to play for Legends.
“The decision was taken within an hour. Since there is an opportunity to play before Sri Lanka series. If I can play few matches, the preparation will be good for me. There was a gap. There was a break of about a month. Playing these four matches will be an opportunity to get into the game,” he added.
Shakib was supposed to play for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Premier League this time. However, due to family reasons, he did not enter the field in the initial phase of the event. Shakib was unlikely to be seen in the league as Mohammedan failed to secure a place in the Super Six. But according to Bylaws, he expressed interest in playing for Legends of Rupganj. So the traditional Mohammedan has left him. Shakib will be seen in the Legends jersey as the league's organizing cricket committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) has already received the permit. The matter has been confirmed by the team official Tariqul Islam Tito.
The Sri Lankan team will visit Bangladesh in early May. They will play two Test matches against the hosts under the ICC Test Championship. The first Test will start on May 15 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong. The second Test will be played on May 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.