Shakib likely to play

There is a strong possibility that Shakib Al Hasan will play the Asia Cup to be held in UAE from September 15. The final decision regarding surgery on his troublesome left little finger will be taken once the ace all-rounder returns home on August 29 after performing Hajj.

But sources with knowledge of the issue informed that Shakib has been considering going under the knife after the Asia Cup, especially as the high-ups of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have indicated a preference for the surgery happening before the home series against Zimbabwe in October.

"Shakib expressed his desire for early surgery before going to Hajj as he was not ready to play competitive cricket with the slightest discomfort in his injured finger, but it does not mean he will be unable to play the Asia Cup. As his finger has now gotten some rest and he is feeling good, he may take part in the Asia Cup," said an official on condition of anonymity yesterday.

Soon after Shakib's return, BCB's medical team will do a fresh scan on his troublesome finger and send it to Australian orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Greg Hoy but it will be Shakib and BCB president Nazmul Hassan who will take the final decision about the timing of the surgery.