Shakib replaced by Smith in Barbados Tridents

Bangladesh's ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is said to be unavailable for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)and will not feature for Barbados Tridents in the upcoming edition of the tournament. Australia's former captain Steve Smith will replace Shakib in the Barbados Tridents lineup when the tournament starts next month.

Shakib had featured for Jamaica Tallawahs for one season before joining Barbados Tridents last year. Shakib was said to be 'unavailable' for the tournament as per organisers.

"It is a huge blow to lose Shakib for the tournament but in Steve Smith we have a truly world-class replacement who can help to bring power to our batting lineup. As a man who has played cricket at the highest level all over the world we are very confident that Smith will be a big success with the Tridents," said Tallawahs coach Robin Singh in a news release.

Bangladesh Cricket Board had previously stated that two NOC (No Objection Certificates) will be granted to contracted players to play in overseas franchise leagues. According to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, Shakib had taken two NOCs, three months ago to play in two foreign leagues – the IPL and the CPL.

This will be Smith's second outing in domestic T20 leagues since being handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the 'Sandpaper Gate' fiasco in South Africa. The World No.1 Test batsman made a return to cricket by playing in the Global T20 Canada League for Toronto Nationals. Smith scored 167 runs in 6 innings for the Nationals with two fifties.

David Warner, Smith's former vice captain who is serving a similar 12-month ban for his role in the scandal, will also be turning out in the CPL having replaced D'Arcy Short at the St Lucia Stars when the all-rounder was called up by Australia 'A'.

More to follow…