‘Can’t answer that question’: Simmons on Shakib’s inclusion

The 40-day-long Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has concluded, and the Bangladesh national cricket team has already resumed training, focusing on preparations for the Champions Trophy. After two days of closed-door practice at the indoor facility of Mirpur Stadium, the players were finally seen on the green outfield today (Monday). Prior to this, head coach Phil Simmons addressed the media, discussing the team, preparations, and expectations for the Champions Trophy. Naturally, the topic of Shakib Al Hasan's absence arose, but the national team coach simply stated that he had no answer to that question.

On 12 January, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, and as expected, Shakib was not included. His potential inclusion had already been a topic of debate, and with his bowling action deemed illegal, the chances of his selection diminished further. If he were to play, it would have been solely as a batsman—something the BCB did not consider viable.

The subject of the all-rounder was raised at today's press conference. Would Shakib have made the squad if he were not banned from bowling? Simmons, the West Indian coach, responded with a mild smile, saying, 'I can't answer that question.' Perhaps the answer lay with the BCB, but even chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu was unsure, which is why he had previously suggested 'waiting' when asked about Shakib during his meeting with Tamim Iqbal in Sylhet last month.

In September last year, Shakib announced his retirement from Test cricket, expressing his desire to play his final Test at home. He had also stated that he planned to retire from international cricket after the Champions Trophy. However, following political changes in the country, he could not play his farewell Test. His participation in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on 19 February, was also uncertain.

In early January, BCB president Faruque Ahmed had mentioned making one last attempt to ensure Shakib's participation in the Champions Trophy. However, he clarified that the decision was not solely up to the board—it also required approval from the government.

Beyond that, there were other uncertainties, which only Shakib himself could have resolved. During his stint in county cricket, allegations of an illegal bowling action were raised against him. He failed to clear his assessment in England, resulting in a ban from bowling. A subsequent test in Chennai also did not exonerate the left-arm spinner.