Bangladesh players IPL 2021 availability: Will Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman return for IPL 2021 in the UAE?

Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman: The two Bangladeshi players are unlikely to return for the remainder of Indian Premier League 2021.

Overseas players’ availability for the second phase of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League continues to transform as a massive challenge for the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

Scheduled to be played in the UAE in September-October, IPL 2021 will clash with international fixtures of several teams. The fact that the ICC T20 World Cup is to be played right after the IPL will prevent boards from sending their players fearing physical and mental workload of playing two back-to-back tournaments inside bio-secure bubbles.

While Cricket Australia are yet to discuss the matter with their players, England Cricket Board have hinted at not making their players available for IPL 2021 to keep them in “best shape” for the World Cup.

Will Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman return for IPL 2021?

BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) have become the third cricket board to open up on allowing their players’ availability for the remainder of the biggest T20 competition. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman were the only two Bangladeshi players in IPL 2021.

“It is almost impossible to provide NOC [for IPL] considering our international commitments. I don’t see any chance of giving it to them. We have the [T20] World Cup coming up and now every match is important,” BCB President Nazmul  Hasan was quoted saying by Ekkator TV.

It is worth mentioning that Bangladesh’s grand home season before the World Cup comprises of white-ball series against Australia, England and New Zealand. In such a crucial situation, it is obvious for the BCB to want their players to play for the national team.

Representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Hasan had scored 38 runs in three innings at an average and strike rate of 12.66 and 97.43 respectively. With his left-arm spin, Hasan had picked two wickets for 81 runs in the 10 overs he bowled in the truncated season. Rahman, on the other hand, had dismissed eight batsmen in seven T2os at an economy and strike rate of 8.29 and 20.25 respectively for Rajasthan Royals.