In a significant setback for the Bangladesh cricket team, their skipper Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 due to a left index finger injury sustained during a match against Sri Lanka. This unfortunate injury has not only left the Bangladesh team without their leader but also cast a shadow over their crucial upcoming encounter against Australia in Pune on 11 November.
Also Read: Unbelievable Cricket Stories That Defy Reality
The injury was confirmed through an X-ray immediately after the game, which revealed a fracture in Shakib’s left proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, effectively ruling him out for a period of three to four weeks. The injury occurred when Shakib was struck on his left index finger early in his innings against Sri Lanka. Despite the pain, he valiantly continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers, displaying his commitment to the team’s cause.
National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan provided further details on the injury, stating that Shakib would leave for Bangladesh to commence his rehabilitation. While Shakib’s absence is a significant blow for the team, it is essential for his recovery and long-term well-being.
This injury comes at a challenging time for Bangladesh, who are already out of contention for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals. However, their upcoming match against Australia holds immense importance as it directly impacts their qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Currently occupying the 8th position on the points table, a win against Australia is vital for Bangladesh’s qualification hopes, as the top 7 teams and host nation Pakistan will secure their spots in the prestigious tournament.
Shakib Al Hasan ‘Timed Out’ Angelo Matthews
The injury to Shakib Al Hasan isn’t the only recent controversy that has marred Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign. In their match against Sri Lanka, a contentious incident occurred when Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews was given a ‘timed out’ decision following an appeal by the Bangladesh team. Mathews expressed his disappointment with the situation, labelling it as “absolutely disgraceful.” He believed that such tactics went against the spirit of the game.
In response to the controversy, Shakib defended his decision and expressed that he had “no regrets.” He highlighted the importance of adhering to the rules of the game, emphasizing that while the incident was unfortunate for Mathews, rules needed to be upheld.
The absence of Shakib Al Hasan and the controversy surrounding the ‘timed out’ incident has added to the challenges faced by the Bangladesh team in this World Cup. As they prepare to face Australia, they will need to regroup and find the resilience to finish the tournament on a positive note. Qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 remains their primary objective, and a victory against Australia would be a significant step toward achieving that goal.
