Shakib, Mustafizur likely to leave IPL early citing COVID concerns

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman might return back to their home country after the new quarantine rule by Bangladesh Health Ministry.

According to the new quarantine rule, which came into place from May 1, foreign travelers from India and South Africa will have to go through strict 14-day isolation period before their normal routine in the country.

Earlier BCB reduced the quarantine period for their foreign coaching staffs and cricketers but after the intensity of second wave of COVID-19, chances of getting benefitt are very slim speacially for the one who are coming from India and South Africa.

"We have asked them (Shakib and Mustafizur) to let us know what is their plan for the next 15 days while we have also asked the health ministry to know what kind of quarantine protocol the two players will need to follow,'' BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told Cricbuzz on Monday.

"If the health ministry suggests that they will have to follow seven or 14 days quarantine, they will have to return earlier than scheduled from IPL. But before that, we have to know what rules will be in place for them," he said. "We are bound by the Bangladesh Government rules, and will take decisions according to the guideline provided by the government."

After the departure of Mustafizue Rahman, Rajasthan Royals will be left with just four overseas players as most of their top foreign players had already left for their home country.