Shakib Al Hasan’s Availability Depends on Medical Assessment

Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Monday that they will decide on Shakib Al Hasan's participation in the upcoming Kanpur Test following a thorough medical evaluation. Shakib injured his finger while batting in the first Test against India in Chennai, after being struck by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, requiring immediate treatment.

BCB selection panel member Hannan Sarkar explained that the team is not rushing to a decision. "We are heading to Kanpur tomorrow, and today is a rest day. We have two practice sessions after that, and we will evaluate his availability then. We don’t want to make a premature decision," Sarkar told reporters on Monday.

He added that Shakib has been under observation by the team's physio for the past two days. Once back on the field, they will review the physio’s report before making any final decision regarding Shakib's inclusion for the second Test.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain clarified that they didn’t use Shakib as a bowler during the first Test because other bowlers were performing well, dismissing any immediate concerns about Shakib's fitness as a left-arm spinner. Sarkar also confirmed that Shakib had no pre-existing finger injury leading up to the match.

Addressing concerns about the injury, Sarkar said that Shakib was declared fully fit before the game, with the team receiving clearance from the physio. He explained that Shakib only started feeling discomfort while bowling and emphasised that this issue did not exist before the match.