Shakib likely to replace Razzak in Bangalore Royal Challengers

[Razi]

IPL leeway for Shakib
The Daily Star, Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bangladesh and world's top all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan may join the Bangalore Royal Challenge as a replacement for left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak in the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL).

Although Shakib was not available to make any comment a sources close to the Bangladesh Cricket Board said that it's matter of time before the official announcement will come from the franchise.

The number one ranked all-rounder in ODIs will be the third Bangladeshi after captain Mohammad Ashraful and his deputy Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to join the IPL if it is officially confirmed.

Razzak played for the Bangalore Royal Challenge as the lone Bangladeshi player in the IPL last year. But the left-arm spinner is now going through a rehabilitation programme after being called for suspect action during the home series against New Zealand in November.

Shakib was one of the four Bangladeshi cricketers who were up in last Friday's IPL auction but much to the surprise of many in-form left-hander failed to entice a buyer along with dashing opener Tamim Iqbal.

Ashraful was purchased by Mumbai Indians at his base price of US$ 75,000 but it was Mashrafe who took the center-stage with a whopping cheque of 6,00,000 dollars.