Alec Stewart, Surrey's cricket director, explained that bringing Shakib Al Hasan on board for a one-match stint was an "easy choice." The club has confirmed the renowned allrounder will participate in a vital County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton this week.
Surrey aims for a third consecutive Championship title in Stewart's final season and currently leads the table by 24 points over second-placed Somerset, with only three games left to play. However, they face a selection dilemma with eight players away on international duty, coinciding with the Sri Lanka Test series and the T20 matches against Australia.
Key spin-bowling allrounders Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence are among the players missing. Acknowledging the team's need for additional strength, Stewart said, “We’ve been aware for some time that this match would coincide with international commitments, particularly impacting our spinning allrounders. When the opportunity to sign a player of Shakib’s talent came up, it was an obvious decision.”
Shakib, who will replace Sai Sudharsan—recently called up to India for the Duleep Trophy—adds valuable batting and bowling depth to Surrey’s lineup. For him, this match also offers a chance to prepare for Bangladesh's upcoming Test series in India.
“I’m thrilled to represent Surrey, one of the most esteemed clubs globally,” Shakib stated. “I aim to make a positive impact and support the team in reaching its objectives this season.”
Additionally, Surrey has convinced Tom Curran to return to first-class cricket after a two-year hiatus. Curran stepped away from red-ball cricket earlier in 2023 for personal health reasons but has been included in Surrey's 15-man squad.
Despite the absence of significant players such as Ollie Pope, Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, Reece Topley, Jamie Overton, and Jamie Smith, Surrey's lineup will still feature seven international players. Somerset has also strengthened their squad by signing New Zealand seamer Brett Randell on a short-term contract.
Meanwhile, Lancashire has secured Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip for their final three Championship matches in a bid to avoid relegation, following the collapse of a potential deal for Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali.