Shakib, Mushfiqur absent from ‘optional’ session

A day ahead of the third and final ODI against Ireland on Thursday, the Tigers showed up to practice but two familiar faces were not among the group. 

Twelve out of the 14-member squad showed up along with the coaching staff.

The media's eyes were, as usual, on Shakib Al Hasan but he was absent from the session. Shakib had departed for Dhaka yesterday but his whereabouts were not known since he was not with the side. 

Mushfiqur Rahim was also absent from the session.

Several reporters called up team management officials in order to get an update on Shakib's absence but were told that the practice was optional. The practice session being optional had not been communicated previously and with 12 players present, it appeared to be an ambiguous fact.

The media was informed that Bangladesh will practice today and the session was rescheduled from 10 am to 1 PM due to morning showers. It was later learned that Mushfiqur had a family emergency and went to Dhaka. When team logistics manager Nafees Iqbal was asked in the evening about Mushfiqur, he said: "His child had a health issue yesterday and he took a leave of absence to go. He will return today."

When asked about Shakib's absence, he said: "It was an optional practice session today. Since it was optional, it depends on the players whether they want to attend or not. Some days, five players come to optional practice and some days the full team arrives. Shakib will arrive today."

Having left the team hotel yesterday in Sylhet, Shakib had yesterday attended a commercial event in Dhaka.