Shakib Al Hasan opts out of IPL 2023

Shakib Al Hasan has pulled out of the IPL 2023. The Bangladesh all-rounder has formally informed the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise of his unavailability for the season. International commitments and personal issues are believed to have been cited as the reasons for his absence for the league, which is in its first week.

Litton Das, the other Bangladesh player in the franchise, however, is expected to join the side sometime later this week.

Cricbuzz understands that Shakib (36), bought by the franchise for his base price of Rs 1.5 crore, is understood to have called the KKR management and wanted to be excused for the season, contrary to speculation that he has been released by the franchise. For the record, once a player has been bought in the auction, he cannot be released by a franchise. It can be done only after a season.

It is understood that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to release the two players, Shakib and Das, insisting that they be available for the Test taking place in Mirpur although the initial impression that the franchise had was that they could take part in the IPL immediately after the white ball series that ended March 31.

It must, however, be mentioned that BCB had informed the BCCI that its players will be available for the IPL for only a limited period of April 8 to May 1. The BCCI note to the franchises on the Bangladesh players was, "Limited Availability. Players selected for Ireland series will be available from 8 April to 1 May."

With the BCB insisting on the two IPL recruits to be part of the April 4-8 Test, Shakib could have come for the IPL only for 20 days. But he seems to have some personal commitments to his family which lives in the US. Considering all that, the veteran all-rounder has requested the KKR management to excuse him for the season. He has played 51 games in four seasons for the Kolkata franchise.

Das (28), bought for the base price of Rs 50 lakh, has informed the KKR management that he will show up for the league. He is expected in Kolkata by April 10. Incidentally, Das has been named vice-captain to Shakib for the Ireland Test.

Full house for KKR's first game

Meanwhile, the Knight Riders, who will be playing their first game at the home ground of Eden Gardens in three years, are expecting a full house for on Thursday, when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore. The KKR officials are keen to make a huge spectacle of their homecoming. They will be hosting a slew of Bollywood stars, with owner Shah Rukh Khan present for the game. It will be their second game of the season.