Bangladesh T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan is contemplating on missing the Asia Cup because he is due for a finger operation. He sustained the injury sustained during the tri-nation series in January.
However, BCB President Nazmul Hasan is not in favor of the experienced cricketer skipping the tournament and wants him to get the operation done in the series against Zimbabwe rather than during the Asia Cup.
"I have to do a surgery. So the discussion now is about when to do it. I want it to happen as soon as possible. It will most probably be before the Asia Cup," Shakib told reporters at Hazrat International Airport upon his arrival from the recently concluded tour of the West Indies.
The BC President on his part further said ''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 after the meeting on Thursday (August 9).
''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."
The BCB Chief further had interacted with Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes regarding the performance of the players as well as the areas that needs improvement from a team perspective.
''Today, during our meeting with the coach, he insisted that it [Shakib's operation] should be completed during the Asia Cup. We suggested that it would be better if we operate him during the series against Zimbabwe as 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 [instead of during Asia Cup],'' Nazmul concluded.
BCB are insistent because they believe Shakib's absence can be costly considering the level of intensity expected in the Asia Cup, where Bangladesh have been drawn in Pool B with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the tournament scheduled from September 15 to 28.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
