Shakib al Hasan won't play for KKR in Champions League T20 despite reduced ban
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be available for selection for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in this year’s edition of Champions League T20 (CLT20).
Originally serving a 6-month ban for his ‘misdemeanor’, the all-rounder’s punishment was reduced to 2 and a half months by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently, but his participation in a foreign domestic league is still banned.
Shakib was allowed by BCB to play domestic cricket from September 15, but needed a fresh No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in CLT20, which the board is in no mood to provide. The ban for participation in overseas leagues remains in place till the end of 2015, making him doubtful for next year’s IPL if things remain the same.
Talking to ESPNCricinfo, KKR CEO Venky Mysore called his absence ‘unfortunate’. “Clearly for Champions League Twenty20 he is not available to us. Although we have the options it is unfortunate considering he is an important player for us. We just have to respect the BCB's decision.”
The left-handed all-rounder was an important contributor for KKR in their title winning season this year, scoring 227 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 149.34 and claiming 11 wickets with an impressive T20 economy rate of 6.68. Shakib’s been a crucial part of both KKR squads which won the IPL titles (in 2012 and 2014).
Despite missing out on the all-rounder, the CLT20 rules state KKR will not be allowed to bring in an outside replacement, and will have to select a replacement from their existing roster of players who played in IPL.
KKR will face 2010 CLT20 champions Chennai Super Kings in the opening group fixture of the tournament on September 17 in Hyderabad, two days after the end of Shakib’s ban. The qualifying stage begins from September 13. (Full 2014 CLT20 schedule)