Shakib al Hasan Targets CPL as Audition for Other Franchise-Based Leagues

Shakib al Hasan is focusing on playing different franchise-based leagues across the world, with a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

He recently featured in the Pakistan Super League for Lahore Qalandars and has been roped in by Dubai Capitals for the upcoming edition of Global Super League (GSL). Following the GSL, he is expected to feature in the Miami Blaze Max60 T10 tournament and the Caribbean Premier League for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.

Shakib's agent, Rudradeep Banerjee, is confident that the all-rounder will be picked in the ILT20 and SAT20, citing his formidable record of 7,438 runs and 493 wickets.

Rudradeep believes Shakib's arrival will significantly boost the depth of any T20 squad in the franchise-based competition. "He will be playing a couple of franchise tournaments while we are hoping that he will also be featuring in ILT20 and the chances are high," he said.

Shakib is aware that he needs to prove his mettle in the CPL to grab attention for the other franchise tournament like ILT20 and SA T20. He plans to prepare for the CPL challenge by playing in GSL and MAX60.

"I haven't taken any preparation at the moment but I feel all these games and training I'll be ready for CPL," Shakib said. "That's my target."

Shakib's childhood mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, is not worried that Shakib is yet to start preparing for the upcoming franchise-based commitments, believing that the experienced campaigner understands his game pretty well and won't take long to get back into business.