We Cannot Think Of Playing The Asia Cup Without Shakib Al Hasan

Nazmul Hasan, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President, has said that the board is not in favour of Shakib Al Hasan missing the Asia Cup in order to get operated on his finger.

Shakib, on Thursday (August 9), said he is mulling on the idea of skipping the upcoming Asia Cup in order to get his injured finger operated. He sustained the injury on his hand during the tri-series final, involving Zimbabwe, against Sri Lanka in January. He had to leave the field mid-way, and could not take any further part in the final. The 31-year old also missed the following two-match Test series and two T20Is against Sri Lanka. Shakib joined the squad halfway through the Nidahas Trophy in March.

And after recently playing in the West Indies, the allrounder is finally planning to go under the knife. For the same, he is thinking about giving the Asia Cup a miss. However, hours after his statement, Hasan made it clear the board is not thinking on the same lines. Hasan said the BCB would rather have Shakib operated on his finger during the Zimbabwe series than during the Asia Cup.

”Shakib called me [from West Indies] and informed me that he needed operation. The head coach also called me and mentioned that it is necessary because he is not getting the strength that is required for batting. If that is the case, he will go for a six-week break,” Nazmul told reporters.

”It is difficult to get such a long break. First we planned whether we can do it in between a series. But as that is not the case, he needs to skip a tournament or a series. But we cannot think of playing without him,” Nazmul said. “He can be operated before the Asia Cup or after the Asia Cup or during the series against Zimbabwe.”

Hasan had a long session with coach Steve Rhodes along with some of his directors to discuss the matter.  He revealed that the head coach insisted Shakib needs the operation to be done by the Asia Cup.

”Today, during our meeting with the coach, he insisted that it should be completed during the Asia Cup. We suggested that it would be better if we operate him during the Zimbabwe series. We can also take the opportunity to try out few new faces during that time,” Nazmul said. ”I think that will be the best thing to do. The Asia Cup is expected to be tough tournament. And during that time if a player of Shakib’s stature doesn’t play, chances are high that the morale of the team might go down.”

“I will talk with Shakib today or tomorrow regarding it. But I prefer if it is done at some other time, ” Nazmul concluded.

Missing Shakib in the Asia Cup would certainly be a big blow for Bangladesh. They are in Pool B along with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The fourteenth edition of the Asia Cup would start on September 15.