Bangladesh national cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan (centre) speaks to the media, along with teammate Mushfiqur Rahim (right) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, in Dhaka | AFP
Indian cricket fans can heave a sigh of relief as Bangladeshi national team players announced late on Wednesday that they had called off their strike. The Bangladesh Cricket Board accepted most of the demands of the striking players, including a pay hike and other benefits.
The country's key players, led by star all-rounder and T20I captain Shakib Al Hasan, went on strike on Monday demanding better pay and conditions. The strike had raised fears the Bangladesh tour of India, scheduled to begin on November 3, could be in jeopardy. Hasan told reporters, “We are joining the camp on Friday. The board has assured us that our demands will be fulfilled.”
Interestingly, the Indian team for three T20I matches against Bangladesh will be selected on Thursday.
India skipper Virat Kohli's workload could be a topic of discussion for the selectors, while Rishabh Pant could have prolific Sanju Samson for cover during three T20s when the selection committee picks the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh in Mumbai on Thursday.
Kohli has featured in 48 out of the 56 games India have played across formats since October 2018. However, the selection committee will leave it on Kohli to decide whether he needs a break or continue playing.
There is expected to be serious discussions about rookie Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dubey, who might replace an injured Hardik Pandya for the all-rounder's slot, primarily based on his big-hitting prowess.
Apart from the three-match T20 series, which starts in New Delhi on November 3, followed by matches at Rajkot and Nagpur, Bangladesh will also play two Tests as a part of the World Championship in Indore and Kolkata.
(With PTI inputs)
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