Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed already informed Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants today that he will not be available for the cash-rich tournament, informed Jalal Yunus, cricket operations committee chairman of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

"He [Taskin] already informed that he will not be able to play the IPL. He will play the South Africa series and will return home after completing the South Africa series," Yunus told the reporters this afternoon.

"We already talked with Taskin. He could understand and accept that IPL cannot be prioritised ahead of national duty. National commitment is above everything. He came to this position because of playing for the national side. There will be no value if you are not playing for the national side," he added.

"The management of Lucknow Super Giants have contacted us as they are willing to rope in Taskin for the upcoming season. However, since the national team is engaged in a crucial series in South Africa and there are two important Test matches, we didn't give him the permission or NOC. Let's finish the series first, then we can think what's next," Yunus said further.

According to reports, Lucknow mentor and former Indian batter Gautam Gambhir was keen to rope in Taskin as the replacement for Wood. The England fast bowler, who was bought for a whopping 7.5 crore rupees in the mega auction last month, has been ruled out of the season due to an elbow injury.

 "I want Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed in the team and that is for the whole season. If he agrees to the offer, Taskin will have to leave for India before the next two Tests against South Africa," Gautam reportedly told the media.

Taskin, who has taken 23 wickets in 33 T20Is, is currently playing in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa, which concludes on March 23. The pacer is also set to feature in the two-match Test series against the Proteas, starting on March 28.

Meanwhile, the IPL is set to get underway from March 26 and conclude on May 29.