Former national captain Sakib al Hasan has been rested for the forthcoming Zimbabwe T20 series following his request for a break, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said on Saturday.
Sakib was replaced by batsman Jahirul Islam in the 15-man squad for the trip, which features an unofficial Twenty20 triangular series involving hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa from June 17 to 27 at the Harare Sports Club.
The all-rounder sought the rest as he has been playing domestic and international cricket for the last two years without any serious break. 
He was involved in the Dhaka Premier League this week after returning from India where he played in the gruelling Indian Premier League for eventual champions Kolkata Knight Riders until May 27.
The BCB took the opinions of new coach Richard Pybus, trainer Grant Luden and physio Vibhab Singh, who all, according to the officials, had suggested that he should be given a break.
Sakib was carrying some niggles which they believed would be healed should the player get some rest. 
‘The break was approved considering the continuous cricket Sakib has played over the last two years,’ the BCB said in a statement.
‘The Board is hopeful that the rest would allow the world’s number one Test and ODI all-rounder to return for the next assignments of the national team refreshed.’
Sakib was delighted at the news and said he will use it to get refreshed both physically and mentally. 
‘It feels really good. I want to enjoy the break,’ Sakib told reporters at Mirpur on Saturday afternoon. ‘I don’t want to talk or think about cricket during this break.’