Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has happily returned home on Sunday (October 14) from Australia after consulting the physicians for the finger injury, and said that he can resume playing even without another surgery after completing the rehabilitation process.
Earlier this month, the all-rounder had to undergo an emergency procedure to remove the pus from his injured finger but an infection ruled him out of action for at least three months at the time. However, Shakib is aiming to return to action “as early as possible” as he already has started his rehab.
He told media, “[Another] surgery can't be possible for six to 12 months. There is a risk….the infection may be in the bone and if the surgery is done there are chances of it spreading. So, for sure, I can't do the surgery in six to 12 months. But the good part is I can play without surgery. As I can't undergo a surgery right now, both physio and myself are thinking how I can manage to play without surgery.”
The all-rounder further added, “I already have started rehab when I was there [Australia]. I consulted with a hand therapist. I have to follow what he has instructed. It will be better for me if I follow his guidelines as much as possible. My main target will be getting back the strength as early as possible.”
Meanwhile, Shakib hinted at his availability for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, while he will likely miss the home series against Zimbabwe and West Indies, and if everything goes to plan, he might take less than two months to play international cricket again.
He noted, “This is kind of problem has no time frame. I may start playing from the next month. Now I have no pain in my hand. I am feeling relaxed. It depends on how quickly I regain the strength in my hand. I have to come back quickly through rehab. If it gets okay, then I can play from the next month. But I may also have to wait [longer] if I feel pain after the rehab. It is very uncertain.”
Shakib signed off by saying, “But a good thing is that the infection has reduced a lot. I can play without surgery. If that happens, it will be best. But it is difficult to confirm [a comeback time right now]. It may take six months but I may also be able to play within one month.”
(Inputs: Cricbuzz)
