Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has decided not to contest the 11th Parliamentary Election, slated for Dec 23.
Shakib’s decision came after he had an audience with Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban on Saturday (Nov 10) night, Ganabhaban sources told Bangla Tribune.
The sources quoted the premier as saying, “Shakib still has a lot to contribute to the cricket. So, he should focus on playing games.”
The cricketer then decided not to seek the nomination, the sources added.
Earlier in the day, Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza talked to AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader over phone expressing their interest to contest the election on AL ticket from Magura and Narail respectively.
As Shakib skipped the polls, Mashrafe is set to collect the nomination paper from the AL’s Dhanmondi office in the city at 10am on Sunday (11).