Shakib Al Hasan, a senior all-rounder from Bangladesh, said there is no use in boycotting the IPL or any other franchise-based tournament because it has helped him improve his game. It should be mentioned that Shakib's absence from the IPL 2022 mega auction was not readily accepted by many Bangladeshi supporters.
Shakib played for the two-time IPL winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2021, and he has also played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The top all-rounder stressed that even though he wasn't named to the starting lineup, living in the same dressing room with other well-known players helped in his development as a cricketer.
Shakib responded to a fan query about whether he will play in the upcoming IPL season if selected in the auction while at a program in the US.
“IPL is such a platform where players from all over the world want to play the tournament. Playing here (IPL) is always a great opportunity for the players and the experience you gain playing there is a big thing,” Shakib replied.
“I didn’t play games ahead of the 2019 World Cup and I had to sit on the bench for the entire one and half months. But while staying there, I learned how to become the best in the world by watching the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Rashid Khan, David Warner, Kane Williamson and others. Just by being in the same team as them, I realised why they rule the world cricket and had I not been in IPL, I would not have known that,” he added.
“I am trying to reach that level and I think IPL helped me a lot and I got the result during the 2019 World Cup. Whether it’s the IPL or CPL, it’s very important and the amount of experience I gain eventually benefits Bangladesh cricket. Not just IPL there is no point to boycott any leagues,” Shakib added.