Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's ban from all forms of cricket will end on October 29th and the Tigers' head coach Russell Domingo reiterated that Shakib will need to be given time to get reacquainted with the pressures of playing cricket before he can perform like his former self.

A few of the national team stars have struggled to find their feet in the ongoing BCB President's Cup following a seventh-month break forced by the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. Domingo urged that lack of cricket has been the reason for that and cited that in Shakib's case, the break away from cricket has been longer.

"I spoke to him yesterday. He is working hard on his fitness. He is out of the country at the moment. Shakib is like a lot of other players, they need to get used to playing some cricket. So if you are expecting him to come straight away, and perform massive miracles, you have to be patient with him. He hasn't played cricket for a year now," Domingo told reporters during a press conference today.

Shakib left for USA after Bangladesh's tour of Sri Lanka was cancelled last month. The all-rounder had been training at BKSP before the tour was cancelled. Domingo reiterated that Shakib was eager to get back to playing but matches are very different from training sessions.

"He is keen to play. He is the best allrounder in the world. But he will also need to find his way. There's a big difference between facing throwdowns and bowling machine, and facing a 140kph bowler in pressure situations. He will also need some time to find his feet, and get his confidence back. We know he is a quality player, so I expect him to have a fantastic 2021 season for Bangladesh," the head coach concluded.