Never Said I Don't Want To Play Test Cricket: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said that he decided to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year instead of the Test series against Sri Lanka so that he can prepare better for the T20 Wor

Shakib said that Akram Khan probably did not read his letter properly if he thinks that the all-rounder is skipping the Sri Lanka series due to his lack of interest in playing Test cricket.

"I did not mention anywhere in my letter that I do not want to play Tests. I mentioned in my letter that I want to play in the IPL to prepare myself properly for the T20 World Cup. But despite that, Akram Bhai has repeatedly said that I do not want to play Tests," he said.

"I guess he didn't really read my letter properly. And whatever decisions they have taken, I believe that they have taken them after discussing among themselves," he added.

Shakib also said that he is thankful to BCB president Nazmul Hasan for backing his decision and granting him permission to play in the IPL.

"I want to thank Papon Bhai (Nazmul Hasan) as I believe he has made the right decision. I think that a player should have the liberty. I believe that a cricketer's confidence increases if the board or BCB president backs him like this. And when a player represents the national team, the responsibility to do something good for the side also increases."

"We have to thank Papon Bhai for making the right decision from his place. However, Akram Bhai repeatedly said that I do not want to play Tests, which I have not mentioned anywhere in my letter," said Shakib.