Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and pacer Mustafizur Rahman will take part in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka without any preparation as they have to complete 14-day quarantine.
Bangladesh Cricket Board official said on Tuesday that the duo with a return home on special arrangements air travel from India to Bangladesh stands suspended but the land border is open with the caveat of 14-day quarantine.
“There is no flight at the moment so if they have to come they will have to come on a special arrangement,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters on Tuesday.
It was learnt BCB is having regular interactions about their travel plan and most likely the duo will arrive within 48 hours as BCB wants to make sure they are available for the three-match ODIs against Sri Lanka, scheduled from March 23.
As per a new quarantine rule, which came into effect on May 1, foreign travelers coming from India and South Africa will have to go through 14-day quarantine before resuming work in the country. BCB will need special permission from the Directorate General of Health Services to avail any relaxation on that and applied for it.
Professor Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) told reporters that they have to complete 14-day quarantine.
“They will have to do 14-day quarantine. BCB had applied to us for them (reduction) but we have said no to them because as per law everyone has to do mandatory 14-day quarantine,” he said.
Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo and fielding coach Ryan Cook also had to change their plan and return to Bangladesh along with the team instead of flying to South Africa for the quarantine rule in place.
Domingo said that he is excited with the return of Shakib and Mustafizur as he feels they will be crucial during the series against Sri Lanka as that is part of ICC Super League, World Cup qualification.“Players will have three days of practice before the Eid vacation. And good to have Shakib and Mustafiz back when they do arrive. The next series will be important as qualification points are up for grabs. We need to bounce back after a tough series in New Zealand,” Domingo said.
“I’ve seen Mustafiz bowl good cutters in IPL matches. Those types of wickets are really helping his type of bowling. Good to see him having a good campaign so far,” he concluded.
