Due to a fracture in his left index finger, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan will miss the team’s final match of the ongoing World Cup and possibly the home series against New Zealand that follows later this month. Shakib sustained the injury on Monday (November 6) in Delhi during the team’s victory over Sri Lanka while batting. Following the contest, an x-ray identified a fracture that has rendered him ineligible to participate in the tournament. On November 11, his deputy Najmul Hossain Shanto will head the team in opposition to Australia.
“Shakib was struck on his left index finger early in his innings but continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers. He underwent an emergency X-ray in Delhi after the game which confirmed the fracture on the left PIP joint,” National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said on Tuesday. “Recovery is estimated at three to four weeks. He will leave for Bangladesh today to begin his rehab.”
The 36-year-old Shakib, who amassed more than 600 runs during the World Cup four years ago, produced a lackluster performance in India, amassing a mere 186 runs at an average of 26.57 off seven innings. Eighty-two of those runs were scored in the triumphant match from yesterday, where he also secured two wickets to be named the Player of the Match. In addition to being a key figure in the ‘timed out’ scenario that unfolded in Delhi yesterday, Shakib’s decision to fly home in the middle of the tournament to train with his personal coach also generated suspicion.
Bangladesh, which has managed only two victories in eight contests, are currently eliminated from contention for the semifinals despite their persistent pursuit of qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
