Bangladesh’s ace-all rounder and T20 captain –Shakib Al Hasan will be missing the first T20I against Sri Lanka of the two-match series in Dhaka.  There are also doubts as to whether Shakib will participate in the series at all. While Bangladesh Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin was hopeful of his return for the second T20I, Shakib himself expressed doubts over his participation for the remainder of the series against Sri Lanka.

Shakib, who was initially included in the Lanka’s T20I squad,  has not completely recovered from a hand injury which he sustained in the final of the tri-series. He was ruled out of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and Mahmudullah Riyad was elected as the stand-in captain to lead the team.

Minhajul told Cricbuzz, “We knew that he might not be available for the opening T20 but we are hopeful that he will be in back in action when we will play the series concluding game in Sylhet.”

 Shakib, who was recently announced as the brand ambassador of the Anti-Corruption Commission (Durniti Domon Commission), informed that the doctor has told him that the injury will require another two weeks to heal.

Meanwhile, Shakib said, “I don't think I will be available in the T20 series. “The doctor told me that it will take two weeks to heal fully. I am looking forward to playing in the Nidahas Cup by completing my rehab fully during the upcoming two weeks.”

Bangladesh lost the two-match Test series 1-0 after Rangana Herath inspired Sri Lanka to a memorable series win. Herath and  Akila Dananjaya bowled well in tandem to help Sri Lanka win the Dhaka Test. While Herath picked 9 wickets in the Test series, Akila picked up 8 in the Dhaka win.

The two-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will start from 15 Feb with the final T20 is slated to be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 18 Feb.