Bangladesh hopeful of getting back Shakib Al Hasan’s services before Asia Cup

The all-rounder sustained the injury during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka in January and was forced to leave the field midway. As a result, he could not take any further part in the final. He also missed the following two-match Test series and two T20Is against Sri Lanka before joining the squad halfway through the Nidahas Trophy in March. He had indicated that he would go ahead with the surgery after the West Indies tour and was contemplating of skipping the upcoming Asia Cup. However, Shakib was included in the 31-man preliminary squad for the tournament scheduled to be held between September 15 and 28.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Abedin said that the board cannot make any decisions related to Shakib’s replacement as they have not received any news about the all-rounder’s surgery. He revealed that the camp will start from August 27 and further expected Shakib to join it.

“We do not have any update of surgery yet, so we have not thought of the replacement as of now. We can make a decision only when we get some news. However, the camp for the upcoming Asia Cup starts from August 27 and I hope that Shakib can make it,” Abedin told the reporters at Mirpur.