Shakib, Liton granted NOC for GT20 Canada

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has handed NOC to star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and batter Liton Das to play the Global T20 League Canada, cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus told the media today. 

The third edition of the T20 tournament will begin on July 20 and end on August 6 and both the Bangladesh stars were granted NOC to feature from the beginning of the tournament.

"Shakib's NOC to play the Global T20 League was granted and he asked for NOC from July 20 till July 29. Liton is also going. He had asked for NOC to play from July 20 till August 6. Both their NOCs were granted," Jalal told the media today.

Taskin Ahmed was not encouraged to play the County Championship season due to the high workload of red-ball cricket. Shakib and Liton were allowed in order to boost their form with competitive cricket ahead of the World Cup.

"There is no national duty right now and they [Shakib and Liton] were given clearance after discussions with the head coach and the management. The competitive games that they can play in this period before the World Cup is good for us.

The Asia Cup schedule, while not decided yet, may take place in the first week of September and they will be in Dhaka by 20th [August]," Jalal cited as reason for giving them the NOC ahead of the World Cup.

While Liton is expected to be available after the G20 League in Canada, Shakib will be heading to the Lanka Premier League. 

However, Jalal informed that Shakib's availability in the tournament might be cut short as his NOC clearance was given in line with the requirements of the team management.