Shakib Al Hasan: Quick Return to Training After MP Election to Gear Up for BPL

In a swift turnaround, Shakib Al Hasan, the recently elected Member of Parliament from Magura-2 constituency, surprised the cricket community by diving into training just 18 hours after his political victory on January 7. The cricket stalwart, who has been sidelined due to a thumb injury since the latter part of the ICC Cricket World Cup in November, expressed his urgency to regain fitness ahead of the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), scheduled to commence on January 19.

“The BPL is starting from 19 January. I have to be prepared for that. I have been out of the game for the last two and a half months and couldn’t work on my fitness and skill. So, I will normally need some time (to get back in shape), and I didn’t want to waste any time,” Shakib emphasized during a media interaction on Tuesday.

Rangpur Riders, the first BPL team to commence team practice, initiated their preparations at the Bashundhara Sports Complex, with Shakib actively participating in the training session. The left-handed all-rounder had kick-started his individual training regime the day after securing his parliamentary seat.

Having missed the home and away series against New Zealand during his injury hiatus, Shakib acknowledged that a bit more time might be required for complete recovery due to the nature of the injury, affecting his bowling finger. However, he reassured fans that his rehabilitation was progressing well.

Reflecting on the team’s aspirations for the BPL, Shakib exuded confidence in Rangpur Riders’ strength and balance. “Rangpur Riders are not planning for anything but the championship, no? Our team is strong and well-balanced. Just like every other year, our goal will be to win the trophy,” he asserted, outlining the team’s determined focus on clinching the BPL title.