Bangladesh national team's team director Khaled Mahmud struck a conciliatory tone over Shakib Al Hasan's remarks regarding him not being ready to play international cricket while making it clear that the board needs to put a 'full stop' to such situations where a senior player can pick or choose what formats he is willing to play right before a series.

Mahmud dictated that players like Shakib have given the team and the country a lot. The board is considerate of issues that players face, especially during pandemic times with bio-bubble protocols making life difficult. However, he was clear regarding what the BCB needs to do and the problems that the management faces when someone like Shakib chooses to play in particular tournaments.

"It's true that players get exhausted. Those of us who have played, know this. During our playing days, there weren't so many matches. Even I get exhausted as team director now. There is bio-bubble all day and it's just hotel and grounds. It's difficult. If we think straight, then a player can say things like that but my thinking is that Shakib could have said it sooner," Mahmud said.

Shakib had not featured in the Tigers' Test tour of Sri Lanka in April-May last year due to his IPL involvement. He then missed one home Test against Pakistan through injury and then opted out of the away Test series against New Zealand. This time he was initially given permission to miss the South Africa Tests and only feature in the ODIs, but following his IPL snub, BCB president Nazmul Hassan told him to play the upcoming Test series as well.

Shakib had agreed to that following the ODI series but last Saturday, before he left the country, Shakib reiterated not being mentally or physically ready to play international matches. More confusion was added as Shakib said that it may well be that he misses the South Africa ODIs and play the Tests.

"At BCB, we want that our best available team always plays. We know we will miss Mustafizur [Rahman] in the Tests but we have accepted that he doesn't want to play Tests nowadays," Mahmud noted.

Mahmud, however, struck the same tone as BCB president had on Monday. The question of seniors not having clarity over which formats they want to play, is hampering team management's processes regarding future stars.

"It's not a problem if Tamim or Shakib plays a series but problem is that we're playing someone instead of them but when Shakib returns, what happens to that player? We're not being able to create a team. If Shakib doesn't want to play Tests, then he shouldn't and I don't care. BCB is not concerned and can't force him. We want him to play as long as he is fit but if he says he isn't enjoying, then he should say that he doesn't want to play Tests, ODIs, T20s or that he doesn't want to play a particular format or even two formats. From BCB's side, there is the matter of establishing someone in Shakib's place."

With Shakib and others such as Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad nearing the twilight of their career, Mahmud was more eager for continuity of the team building process. The former national team captain made it clear that the last call on the Shakib issue rests with BCB.

"Board won't make requests; they will dictate since these are contracted players. Shakib has been given two days' time, so it's better not to say something. I am hoping he will go because it makes a difference for us at the moment. If Shakib wants to play he will go, if he doesn't, the board will take a decision. It's high time now and we need to put a full stop to it. It can't happen every time that someone doesn't want to play and he doesn't play," he concluded.