BCB awards Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Taskin Ahmed for choosing international cricket over IPL

Shakib al Hasan and Litton Das were part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, while Taskin Ahmed went unsold.

Bangladesh Cricket Board awarded their senior players including Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Taskin Ahmed for prioritising the national team over the Indian Premier League. Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das were picked by Kolkata Knight Riders. BCB will be awarding them 65,000$ for choosing the national team over IPL. Litton Das played one game for Kolkata Knight Riders against Delhi Capitals, but soon after he flew back to Bangladesh and KKR brought in Johnson Charles as a replacement. Shakib was replaced by English opener Jason Roy in the KKR camp. 

Bangladesh Cricket Board operation chief Jalal Yunus told the press that it is just a small gesture of appreciation. Talking about the compensations Jalal Yunus said, “This is just a small gesture from our part, with the cash being split among three players Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Taskin Ahmed”. Taskin Ahmed went unsold in the IPL 2023 Auction that took place in Kochi in December 2022. Yunus further added, “They did not demand any money from us formally, but we felt they should be at least partially compensated if not fully”. 

Bangladesh were playing against Ireland when the IPL began and these big names dedicated their time to Bangladesh Cricket rather than playing in franchise cricket. BCB operation chief Jalal Yunus also felt that playing international cricket should be a priority. He said, “We believe playing for the national team should be unconditional… but our board will consider it case by case as players' well-being is also one of our priorities”. Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi player who remained in India for the league from day one for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2023.