Asia Cup 2018: Update on Shakib Al Hasan's Availability for Mega Event

Bangladesh got jolted with fresh uncertainty surrounding the participation of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 in the UAE.

During an interaction with an English daily, Shakib reportedly said he was only 20-30% fit. He gave the interview over the telephone from America. However, skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and head coach, Steve Rhodes have said otherwise, as they have stated the importance of Shakib for such a crucial tournament.

Ever since returning from the Windies, Shakib’s participation for the Asia Cup 2018 has remained in severe doubts owing to a finger injury which he sustained during the tri-nation series also involving Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at home.

The injury required surgery. However, BCB President, Nazmul Hasan had initially stated they don’t want Shakib to go under the knife before such a crucial tournament. But later he left the decision on the player himself.

The matter got resolved after he got named in the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2018. However, Shakib’s latest claims will surely make things tricky for the Bangladesh cricketers.

“I don’t believe he is 20-30 per cent fit. I think he is a lot fitter than that. That sort of statement has hit the headline. I am pretty sure Shakib is a lot fitter than that. He is in no real different state to the state he was in, in West Indies, where he played some fantastic cricket with the bat, ball and in the field,” Rhodes was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Shakib Al Hasan is a significant player, feel Mortaza and Steve Rhodes

“Everybody knows that he does need the operation. He has made that decision after speaking to the president. Asia Cup is very important to Bangladesh. He is not fully fit. But if he plays anything like he played in the Caribbean, then that will be a massive asset to Bangladesh cricket. This guy is a tremendous cricketer. Even if Shakib was 60-70 per cent fit, you’d get a lot of cricket out of Shakib Al Hasan,” he added.

Meanwhile, the skipper was also of the same opinion. He said the decision of playing Shakib or not in the Asia Cup 2018 solely depends on the all-rounder.

However, Mashrafe Mortaza did state his presence in the dressing room can boost the team.

“Overall, the way Shakib batted in West Indies, it was very effective for us to win. I think it is enough for him to maintain at least that level of fitness. It is Shakib’s decision to make. He has decided to play, and when he plays, he’ll give his hundred per cent,” Mortaza said.

Shakib al Hasan had taken painkiller injections during the tour of the Caribbean to take part in the series.

However, he felt the pain after the two Test matches. It will be a tricky situation for Shakib as well. He will definitely won’t look to aggravate the injury.