Shakib Al Hasan's childhood mentor and current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director expressed no surprise at Shakib's stellar performance in first Test against Pakistan.
Fahim emphasized that Shakib’s ability to block out external distractions while on the field is what makes him stand out.
This statement came after Shakib played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's historic Test win against Pakistan, despite facing legal issues off the field, including a murder charge and a subsequent legal notice seeking his removal from the national team.
While many were amazed by Shakib's critical contributions on Day 5, Fahim expected nothing less, stating, "I wouldn’t describe Shakib as just mentally strong. Top athletes, like Shakib, can compartmentalize and focus solely on the game. When he’s on field, nothing else matters—he's entirely focused on the task at hand."
Fahim, who spoke with Shakib during the Test, clarified that their discussions were purely cricket-related, emphasizing his role as a mentor rather than a BCB director. He highlighted Shakib's influence not only through his bowling but also in guiding other players, particularly Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Despite the legal challenges facing Shakib, BCB President Faruque Ahmed indicated that a decision regarding his status on the team would be made after the first Test. However, Fahim believes Shakib’s performance has reinforced his position, suggesting that Shakib’s involvement has inspired the entire team.
With the second Test approaching on August 30, the board's decision on Shakib remains pending, but Fahim's remarks suggest strong support for the allrounder.
