Premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was included in Bangladesh's 18-man squad for the New Zealand tour in January, which features two Tests, despite verbally communicating his unavailability. Shakib later today, sent in a written application, as per BCB President Nazmul Hassan's requirement, to officially inform the board about his unavailability for the tour of New Zealand.

While the BCB announced the squad through a media release today, it's president Nazmul Hassan Papon informed reporters of Shakib's unwillingness to tour. 

"Shakib verbally informed us that he would be unavailable for the New Zealand series. But he did not give anything written yet. Only when he gives a written application will we know why he doesn't want to go," the president said.

BCB sources later confirmed to The Daily Star that Shakib had sent in an official written application. In his letter, Shakib cited family reasons for his unavailability.

Nayeem Hasan, Saif Hassan and Rejaur Rahman Raja were left out of the squad while Shoriful Islam was included.

SQUAD

Mominul Haque (Captain), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Shohidul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Md Naim Sheikh