Bangladesh flamboyant all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who regained his top spot in the ICC Test and T20 all-rounder rankings on Sunday, has so far played only two matches for KKR this season and had to miss bulk of the franchisee based T20 extravaganza as he needed to return home and prepare for the just concluded home series against Pakistan. 
But as the Pakistan series is done and dusted and he has received permission from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to go back to India, Shakib now will be available to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in their last two group stage matches of the IPL. According to Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief executive officer, he obtained the no-objection certificate (NOC) on Sunday.
Shakib is leaving for India at 1.20 pm on Monday. On the eve of his departure, he expressed his confidence over his team doing well in the remainder of the tournament.
“We won the IPL twice and we are again in a good position, so I am hoping for the best. Hopefully the Knight Riders will do well in this IPL too.”
KKR have two matches left in the league round of the tournament. They will face Mumbai Indians on May 14 and Rajasthan Royals on May 16, both in Mumbai.
As per the current scenario, KKR do have a good chance of making it to the next round. And if they can really manage to qualify to the knock out stages, Shakib will be available for then in the knock out matches as well.
The Knight Riders are currently in the top of the points table with 15 points in 12 matches. The top four teams will fight for the final after the end of league stage. Qualifier one between number – 1 and number – 2 of the points table will be played on 19 May , Eliminator between number – 3 and numbers – 4 will be played the next day and the second qualifier between losing team of Qualifier – 1 and winning team of eliminator will be played on 22nd May.
The final of the IPL will take place on May 24 and Bangladesh’s camp for the upcoming India series is scheduled to begin next month. As a result, there are no chances of any clash in schedule.
Prior to the series against Pakistan, Shakib, who played an important role in the only T20 against Pakistan, had played two games in the IPL as well where he was able to leave some decent mark.
As Sunil Narine has been struggling lately with his re-modelled action and couldn’t contribute much to his team till date this season, Shakib’s inclusion once again in the team will definitely be considered as a major plus point for the defending champions.
Remaining matches fixture of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 8
May 14, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians at Mumbai, Time: 8.30pm Bangladesh Time
May 16, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai, Time: 8.30pm Bangladesh Time
