Asia Cup 2018: Big blow for Bangladesh
Bangladesh cricket have suffered a big blow ahead of the upcoming 6-nation Asia Cup 2018. Bangladesh's skipper Shakib Al Hasan is set to miss the coveted tournament. Shakib, who had injured his finger against Sri Lanka in the ODI series back in January 2018, has decided to undergo a surgery. Here is more on the same.
Shakib to undergo surgery prior to the Asia Cup
Shakib confirmed the news after landing in Dhaka from West Indies post the T20I series. The skipper stated that he needs to get it done as early as possible to avoid further damage. He had earlier missed the Test and T20I series against the Lankans post the injury, before making a comeback in the Nidahas Trophy. He had received treatment in Australia.
Shakib wants to play when fully fit
Bangladesh have a lot of tournaments leading to the ICC World Cup in 2019. Shakib stated that he doesn't want to play until being fully fit and it's normal to get treatment prior to the Asia Cup. He recently complained about pain in his finger in the T20I series victory against the West Indies. His absence will definitely serve Bangladesh a blow.
All you need to know about the Asia Cup
The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from September 15 to 28 at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bangladesh are drawn in Pool B with rivals Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. India, Pakistan and one qualifier will battle it in Pool A. The Tigers will need to select a new skipper for the series. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahman are the leading candidates.
A look at Shakib's impact
In 188 ODIs Shakib has 5,433 runs with 7 centuries and 39 half-centuries to his name. He has decent average of 35.50. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh beat West Indies in the recently concluded ODI and T20I series respectively.
