Bangladesh ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan on Monday took the social media to explain his plea to take leave from playing the national team (in Test format).

He posted on Facebook: ‘Dear fans...As you all know, I have been continuously playing and representing my national colours with pride over recent years which has taken a sudden toll on my physical and mental condition and as a result I expressed my desire to take temporary leave from the national team (in test format only) and the BCB has been kind enough to grant me leave for the two upcoming tests with South Africa with immediate effect.

I personally and honestly believe this temporary rest will help me regather my strength and enhance my focus on all formats of the game and, as a result, benefit me and the team overall leading to more collective success in the future.

I thank you for your never ending love and support. Let's all wish our Tigers the very best in the upcoming Test Series with South Africa.’

World number one all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is now in golden couch in all format of cricket. He was absolutely brilliant in last Test series against Australia.

Shakib performed in the series with the bat and ball really as the top ranker and played vital role to win the first Test match.

But before South Africa tour Shakib has been given rest in first Test, a BCB official said.

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said Shakib on Sunday informally wanted a six-month vacation.

After considering Shakib’s personal matter, BCB took the decision before declaring Bangladesh squad against South Africa.

Bangladesh are scheduled to fly for South Africa on September 16. There the tigers will play two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20s.

When asked, Selector Akram Khan said BCB will name Shakib in the squad for second Test if he wants to play the Test.