Shakib Al Hasan opts out of IPL 2023

Bangladesh all rounder Shakib Al Hasan has opted out of IPL 2023, after informing Kolkata Knight Riders of his decision on Sunday.

ESPNcricinfo reported that Kolkata Knight Riders will begin the process of seeking a replacement once it gets the go ahead from the IPL.

Shakib’s decision was based on commitments with Bangladesh, which includes a one-koff test against Ireland that starts Tuesday.

According to ESPNcricinfo, this will be followed by a tour of the UK, where Bangladesh are set to play three ODIs against Ireland in Chelmsford on May 9, 12 and 14.

It is understood that Shakib told Knight Riders that he would be busy playing for Bangladesh in this period, and also mentioned that he has “personal issues to attend to”, which would keep him away from the IPL.

Without Shakib, Knight Riders have only six overseas players in their squad, including Litton. The team has already been hit hard by player unavailability issues, with their full-time captain Shreyas Iyer ruled out of at least the first half of the season with a back injury.

Knight Riders have played one game so far this season, losing a rain-affected contest against Punjab Kings in Mohali. They will play their next game on Thursday, at home against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Kolkata.