(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed is reportedly contemplating retiring from Test cricket. He is poised to bid farewell to the red-ball format due to recurring injury issues, focusing solely on white-ball cricket. Taskin has formally requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) not to consider him for Test cricket anymore.
Taskin endured a shoulder injury during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India, leading to his absence from subsequent bilateral series against New Zealand. However, he recuperated from the injury and made a comeback in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024, representing Durdanto Dhaka.
Jalal Yunus, BCB cricket operation chairman, confirmed Taskin’s retirement offer and mentioned that discussions with Taskin and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha would take place post BPL. Yunus emphasized the need to understand Taskin’s perspective before reaching a decision.
“He (Taskin) had sent a letter stating that he does not want to play longer-version cricket. After the game [of the ongoing BPL] is over we will sit with him in this regard. Let the coach [head coach Chandika Hathurusingha] come and we need to talk with him as well,” Yunus said as quoted to Cricbuzz.
BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin also noted that they need to confirm Taskin’s injury status from medical professionals before making a decision.
“He [Taskin] is our across-format contracted player. We have to talk with our doctors and get a report on his injury status and later can make a decision in this regard,” Abedin stated.
Following Sylhet Strikers’ victory over Durdanto Dhaka in their fourth consecutive loss in the league, Taskin informed reporters that he had been undergoing rehabilitation after the World Cup. He mentioned that although he is not yet at full fitness, his condition is improving steadily.
“I was in rehab after the World Cup . Thanks to the Almighty my rhythm is getting better than before but I am still not at the best rhythm but it is improving,” Taskin shared.
The 28-year-old has played 13 Test matches, claiming 30 wickets with an average of 51.5 and an economy of 3.77. Taskin, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2017, last appeared in the same format in June 2023 against Afghanistan.