I still love cricket like a teenager: Shakib

Shakib Al Hasan is playing in the International League T20 (IL T20) in the United Arab Emirates for the first time. Although he could not shine like that at the beginning of the tournament when he played for the IPL team Mumbai Indians' franchise MI Emirates, the former world's best all-rounder Tiger is coming out of his shell as time goes by.

38-year-old Shakib has not yet achieved much success with the bat, but he has been bowling one eye-catching shot after another. This Bangladeshi all-rounder has a lot of hunger for cricket. He still enjoys cricket like a 19-year-old teenager. He expressed such love for the twenty-two yards in a video message on the IL T20's social media.

In the video, Shakib talked about his preparation on and off the field. He talks about the joy of hitting the field, from the rigorous net sessions and gym routine, to the love of the game from his youth. He says, “I hit the gym once a day, sometimes twice a day if necessary, but that’s only occasionally. I still have the hunger for cricket, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to play cricket. I still love the game, like I did as a kid when I was 19. The game makes me happy. When I hit the field, my mind is excited, I feel alive.”

He added, “I work hard in the nets and give it my time, otherwise my body slows down. I met Sangakkara (Kumar Sangakkara) a few days ago, he told me that and I understood that too. Because it takes some time for us to get into the rhythm. You get used to it after a few sessions.”

“In cricket, everyone has a different responsibility. A batsman can make the difference, but a bowler can win the match. No matter how good your batting team is, it won't be if you don't have a good bowling department. So I think bowling plays a very important role. At this stage of my career, I have reduced my plans and am currently in a comfortable position.'

It is worth noting that Shakib's MI Emirates won the toss and decided to bowl first against Dubai Capitals at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. In the match, Shakib took one wicket after giving away 11 runs in 4 overs. Out of 24 balls bowled by Shakib, he gave away 15 dot balls, meaning the opponent's batters could not score runs. His team also won by 8 wickets and advanced to the qualifiers.