Saklain Shares Feelings on National Team Call-Up

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**Pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Shaklain expresses elation after maiden Bangladesh call-up**

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Pace-bowling all-rounder Abdul Gaffar Shaklain is “extremely excited” after receiving his maiden call-up to the Bangladesh national cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The 28-year-old aims to repay the selectors’ faith by delivering his best performance in the national colours.

Shaklain sees this opportunity, arising from the rest period for key bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, as a chance to make his mark. Bangladesh T20I captain Liton Das has already contacted him to offer congratulations, a gesture that has deeply pleased the all-rounder.

The news of his selection arrived while Shaklain was busy with a Bangladesh Cricket Association (BCA) match in Rajshahi. His journey to the national team began not through conventional age-group cricket, but rather with tape tennis. His strong performances for Rajshahi Warriors in the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) paved the way for his inclusion in the squad for the first two T20Is against New Zealand.

He described the phone call from captain Liton Das as a “special moment.” Shaklain, who has experienced the loss of his father, said his mother advised him to remain disciplined and make the most of this opportunity.

“Getting a chance in the national team is a blessing from Allah,” Shaklain stated, expressing his commitment to performing at his highest level. He also indicated a willingness to step up and fill the void left by more experienced players.

Previously, Shaklain represented Bangladesh ‘A’ in the Asia Cup Rising Stars. Hailing from Syedpur in the northern region, he is known for his ability to score runs quickly in addition to his bowling. He is eager to make his debut memorable and prove his capabilities on the international stage.

Former selector Hannan Sarkar lauded the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) “bold decision” to include young talents like Shaklain and Ripon. He believes such selections are crucial for building a formidable pace attack with an eye on the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Hannan further highlighted Shaklain’s bowling variations and powerful hitting as significant factors in his selection. “He has proven himself in domestic cricket; now it remains to be seen how he performs at the international level,” Sarkar commented, terming the BCB’s plan as “timely and correct.”