Knee injury keeps Shakib out of SLPL

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has denied Shakib Al Hasan permission to play in the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL) following an injury to his left knee. He will instead be given time to recover ahead of September's World Twenty20.

"Shakib has been advised by the national team physio that he has to focus on rehabilitation of the injury in his left knee in the forthcoming period, during which he cannot play matches," BCB media manager Rabeed Imam said. "This was also the suggestion of the BCB, that he gets some rest for now."

The news is a blow to the Uthura Rudras franchise, for whom Shakib had been the big pick from the list of overseas players and a possible team captain. His experience and value as a spin-bowling allrounder would almost certainly have seen him play every game.

Uthura Rudras management declined to comment on Shakib's withdrawal until they received official confirmation from the BCB.

Shakib was one of five Bangladesh players set to play in the SLPL; the others are expected to appear in the tournament as planned.