The national players will feature in the last round of Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) after a short fitness stint in the national camp, but opener Tamim Iqbal and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan are unlikely to appear in the four-day games starting from May 24 at two venues.
The selectors are in favour of resting Shakib, who toured India to play for KKR in the IPL soon after the completion of the Pakistan series, and Tamim, who may not play this match as a precaution for the knee injuries.
“What we felt is that Shakib needs some rest ahead of the home series against India. On the other hand, if our medical team feels that it would be better for Tamim to take rest, we definitely will go with their advices,” chief selector Faruque Ahmed said yesterday.
“Tamim is fit to play the match and he also said today that he had no problem to play the BCL game. But our opinion is that it would be better if he is rested and continues the rehab programme for his knees. He didn’t get enough time for rehab after having knee surgery. Even if he plays, we will impose some restrictions,” said BCB physician Debashis Chowdhury.
Tamim had a surgery in his left knee in December last year and then he suffered an injury in his right knee in the BCL one-day game before the home series against Pakistan.