IPL 2023: Shakib Al Hasan opts out of 16th edition due to personal commitments

Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Indian Premier League season 16 has got underway as fans have been treated to some riveting action in the first five matches of the tournament. While many big names are featuring in the T20 extravaganza, a few are also missing the competition due to injuries or national commitments.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has also joined the list of players who will not feature in the ongoing edition and has opted out of the same.

The Bangladesh Test and T20I captain was recently named in the squad announced for the only Test against Ireland starting April 4 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The 36-year-old was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 1.50 crore at the mini-auction held in December 2022.

However, according to a report from Cricbuzz, the star all-rounder has formally informed the KKR franchise about his unavailability for the entire season. International commitments and personal issues are reportedly believed to be the reasons for his absence from the mega tournament.

Litton Das, the other Bangladesh player in KKR, however, is expected to join the squad after the end of the Test match against Ireland. KKR were earlier under the impression that both Litton and Shakib will be available after the end of the limited overs series against Ireland which ended on March 31.

However, after the duo was named in the Test squad, it had become clear that they will be able to join the IPL franchise only after the match ends. Notably, Bangladesh Cricket Board had earlier informed the BCCI that its players will be available for IPL for only a limited period from April 8 to May 1.

Litton Das to join KKR camp on April 10

The report further claims that Shakib has some personal commitments with his family living in the US and has therefore made himself unavailable for the season. Litton, who was bought for his base price of INR 50 lakh has reportedly confirmed his availability from April 10 onwards.

Shakib was a part of KKR from 2011-2017 and of their victorious campaigns in 2012 and 2014 before shifting to Sunrisers Hyderabad for 2018 and 2019. He once again returned to KKR in 2021 when they reached the final of the season after seven years.

The Bangladesh star has played 71 matches in the tournament so far scoring 793 runs at an average of 19.83 with two half-centuries to his name. He has also picked 63 wickets at an average of 29.19 and an economy of 7.44.