DHAKA, Oct 5, 2024 (BSS) - Rangpur Riders were left in limbo after failing to 
take a decision on to retain the service of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming 
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

"Shakib is the greatest cricketer of Bangladesh, there is no doubt about it 
but there is doubt about his availability," Rangpur's team director Shahnian 
Tanim told the reporters in Mirpur today. 

"Everything depends on whether he comes to play against South Africa after 
which we'll get a clear picture. Whether we can retain his service  will 
depend on his availability in South Africa series."

South Africa will arrive in Bangladesh on October 16 to play two-match Test 
series. Beforehand, the BCB is expected to announce the Test squad.

On the other hand, the players' draft of the BPL will be held on October 14. 

Before the second Test against India, Shakib announced his retirement plan, 
saying that he is keen to end his Test career by playing the Test against 
South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

However he said he needed assurance of a safe exit from the country after 
playing the Test series against South Africa. Without an assurance, he would 
not be able to confirm coming to Bangladesh to play the series.

Things got complicated hours after when BCB president Faruque Ahmed said that 
the board is not any agency which can ensure his safe exit. 

Sports adviser Asif Mahmud's, however, in recent media conference from Dubai, 
said they would provide 'highest level of security for the players.

As the players' draft of the BPL will be held on October 14, the 
participating seven teams have to submit their retain and direct signing 
list. 

The seven teams today sat with BCB to finalize the roadmap of the BPL. 

Shakib's performance in the last season was not up to the mark according to a 
player like his caliber. Still, Rangpur is eager to keep the star allrounder 
in the team. 

"I personally want to say that I know Shakib as a cricketer. I don't know him 
as a politician and I have no idea what he does in his personal life or 
business," Tanim said.

"I am sure there is no person in Bangladesh who does not want Shakib to play 
BPL. We want it too. Be it our franchise, be it another franchise, be it for 
BPL, be it for Bangladesh; Shakib Al Hasan is always an asset."