Shakib likely to make T20I return against Zimbabwe

Shakib Al Hasan is poised to make his return to T20Is for Bangladesh in the upcoming series against Zimbabwe next month, as indicated by chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain. After a hiatus from limited-overs cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shakib is expected to participate in a couple of Dhaka Premier League matches as part of his reintegration into white-ball cricket.

"We have communicated with him [Shakib]," Ashraf stated. "He is expected to arrive in Dhaka at the end of this month. He will possibly play one or two DPL matches. Afterwards, he will get involved with the team management. There he can do his training on cricketing skill as per the desire of team management. We will definitely want him to play couple of matches in the series. We will announce the team on April 28 and by that time, you will get a clear picture of his availability."

Following his break due to an eye condition and finger injury post-2023 ODI World Cup, Shakib made his return to international cricket during the Chattogram Test against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

Bangladesh unveiled a 17-man preparatory squad for training in Chattogram from April 26, excluding Shakib and Mustafizur Rahman, who is engaged with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL until May 1. Mustafizur will also miss the first T20I against Zimbabwe on May 3 in Chattogram.

The training squad features Mohammad Saifuddin, marking his return after a lengthy injury layoff. Saifuddin last played for Bangladesh just before the 2022 T20 World Cup and resumed action in this season's BPL, contributing to Fortune Barishal's title triumph.

"Definitely (Mohammad) Saifuddin is a promising player and if he is not injured he could have more international experience," Ashraf commented. "He is ahead with his batting but in bowling he has competitors. So it a good opportunity for him to get back into his groove in the Zimbabwe series because we have a lot of interest in him."

The series against Zimbabwe comprises three T20Is in Chattogram on May 3, 5, and 7, followed by two T20Is in Dhaka on May 10 and 12.