Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al-Hasan has decided to skip the upcoming two Test matches against Sri Lanka, the BCB confirmed on Thursday, February 22, to Cricbuzz.

Bangladesh will play an all-format series against Sri Lanka in March 2024 and Shakib was not selected for the white-ball series. The BCB boss further confirmed to Cricbuzz that he will also skip the two-match Test series that is part of the current WTC cycle.

Shakib has been facing eye problems for the last few months and even revealed that he played the entire World Cup with the persistent problem. The problems increased when he struggled to bat in the Bangladesh Premier League, where he scored 249 runs in 11 matches.

“He (Shakib) wanted a break from the entire series against Sri Lanka because he didn’t want to take part in international cricket. I think his eyes are fine at the moment, but I think he wants a break so he can return to international cricket in full fitness.” Yunus told Cricbuzz.

Bangladesh will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches against Sri Lanka from March 4 to April 3. Reports further say that he might take part in the Dhaka Premier League for the Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to practice some batting and return to international cricket.

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Recently, Shakib led Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023. He played his fifth World Cup for Bangladesh and finished eighth with only two wins and seven losses. Shakib had a below average tournament with bat and ball scoring 186 runs in seven matches at an average of 26.57 and picking nine wickets with the ball.

Shakib Al Hasan is diagnosed with a retinal condition

The biggest news about Shakib came to light in January earlier this year, when he was diagnosed with a condition in the retina of his left eye. Furthermore, he revealed that he played the entire World Cup in India with this condition.

“Shakib has been complaining of subtle problems in his left eye. After consulting ophthalmologists in Bangladesh and abroad and after multiple eye evaluations, it was confirmed that she suffers from extrafoveal central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) of the left eye. “It has been decided that a conservative approach will be taken to manage the problem for now.” Bangladesh Cricket Board chief doctor Debashish Chowdhury said in a press release.

“Extrafoveal central serous chorioretinopathy is a condition that affects the retina and causes visual disturbances. “The medical team overseeing Shakib’s case is optimistic about effectively managing the condition with a conservative approach.” he further added.

Shakib, who has also been involved in politics recently, will have to make a decision as the 2024 T20 World Cup approaches if he wants to play in the tournament. He has been playing international cricket for almost two decades and made his debut in 2006. The last time he played for Bangladesh was in the World Cup in India.

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