Shakib, Mustafizur to get NOC for IPL

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan and left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman are set to be granted No Objection Certificate to participate in the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021.

Bangladesh Cricket Board cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan confirmed the development Tuesday. BCB had earlier contemplated not issuing the NOC to Shakib and Mustafizur as they are expected to be with the national team for the preparations of the upcoming World T20I.  It is understood that the board’s change in stance came after England postponed their scheduled tour of Bangladesh. The English cricket team were scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series and as many T20Is in September this year. “Yes, if they apply and if we don't have any international commitment they can go and take part in IPL. We are yet to receive any official letter from them in this regard and if we get that, board will take a decision,” said Akram to the media. 

The second leg of the IPL 2021 is set to take place from September 19 to October 15 in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will host the remaining matches in the league that started in April but got suspended due to surge in Covid-19 cases inside the teams’ camps. IPL in its first leg had completed 29 matches. Delhi Capitals are on top of the league table with six wins and 12 points, following by Chennai Super Kings with 10 points in seven matches. With six points in seven games, Mustafizur’s Rajasthan Royals are fifth while Shakib’s Kolkata Knight Riders are No 7 in the eight-team tournament with four points from seven matches. Shakib in the first leg of the season played three games, scoring 38 runs and taking two wickets, while Mustafizur played seven matches and picked up eight wickets.