BCB Withholds Shoriful Islam NOC for Kent County Cricket Stint

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided against issuing Shoriful Islam a No Objection Certificate to play County Championship cricket for Kent, with the fast bowler's workload now a major concern.

The decision comes after Shoriful returned to the Bangladesh side and produced an encouraging performance against Australia. He claimed seven wickets in the second Test at Mackay after missing the opening match in Darwin because of injury.

Despite that impact, the BCB does not want to rush the left-arm seamer back into another demanding run of matches. Team management and the medical department believe training and recovery will serve him better than four consecutive county fixtures at this stage.

Shahriar Nafees, who is in charge of cricket operations, pointed to Bangladesh's demanding schedule over the next three months. The team is due to play five Tests, seven T20Is and six ODIs, leaving little room for extended recovery periods.

The Shoriful Islam NOC decision was also influenced by his recent hamstring problem and his importance across formats. The BCB is wary that another four matches for Kent could put unnecessary strain on his body just as he works his way back to full fitness.

"Shoriful is the kind of player who plays all formats. Plus, he's just coming back from a hamstring injury," Nafees said.

The concern is straightforward. Bangladesh need Shoriful available for international cricket, rather than risking another setback before a packed period of fixtures.

The contrast with Khaled Ahmed is telling. The other Bangladesh fast bowler has been cleared to join Kent because he is fully fit and has not played heavily in recent weeks.

Nafees said Khaled's recent workload made the county opportunity more manageable, while Shoriful's situation required greater caution.

For Bangladesh, the decision is less about denying Shoriful an overseas opportunity and more about managing a fast bowler who remains central to their plans. His ability to contribute with the new ball across formats makes his fitness particularly important.

The Bangladesh cricket calendar leaves little margin for error, and the board has chosen preparation over additional competitive cricket for Shoriful. Kent, meanwhile, will have to proceed without the left-armer and instead welcome Khaled for the county assignment.