Shakib 'interested to play' one-day format of BCL

Premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed his willingness to play in the one-day format of the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), set to be held in January next year. 

According to Walton Central Zone manager Milton Ahmed, Shakib might feature for their side in the league. 

"Shakib contacted us and said he is interested to play [in the one-day leagye]. And we said he is very much welcome. However, nothing is yet finalised officially. Even if he plays, he will not be able to play the first match as he would have to undergo certain protocols after returning from the USA," said Milton to The Daily Star today. 

Shakib, who is on leave from national duty and currently in the USA with his family, is supposed to return to the country within a week for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which is set to start on January 21. The all-rounder is considering the BCL as a build-up to the BPL.

Meanwhile, the final of the longer version of the BCL will be held from January 2 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Unlike the group stage matches, the final of the longer version between Walton Central Zone and BCB South Zone will be a five-day affair. 

After the completion of the longer version, the one-day format of the tournament will begin on January 9 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. All the matches of the limited-overs format will be held in Sylhet. 

It was also learned that Tamim Iqbal, who had earlier expressed his interest to play the one-dayers in BCL, will be featuring for Islami Bank East Zone.