Bangladesh are apparently all set to play another series without Shakib Al Hasan as the inspirational all-rounder did not get the green signal from the consultant in Thailand regarding his return in time for the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh Cricket Board physician Dr. Debashish Chowdhury told The Daily Star yesterday that the ace all-rounder has been advised by the consultant in Bangkok to continue physiotherapy.

"The doctors in Bangkok said the same thing that the doctors here had earlier said. Shakib will return home tomorrow [Thursday] after undergoing physiotherapy there and his condition will be assessed after administering physiotherapy for a week; then we can decide if we continue with physiotherapy or go for any alternative treatment," Chowdhury informed.

When asked whether there is any chance for the Bangladesh Test and T20I captain to play in the T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka, Chowdhury said: "It is very important to make sure that we do not force his return. It is not possible to say whether he will be able to make his return in Sri Lanka but the reality is he will need one week for further assessment... so you can understand."

Meanwhile, BCB director and cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan, who has been playing a role of a silent observer in all cricketing activities surrounding the national team even though his committee is supposed to handle everything in that sector, came to the scene yesterday to talk about Shakib's injury update and the appointment of a batting coach.

But what the former national skipper informed the reporters hardly echoed with the sentiment of the BCB physician.

"He went for a checkup. We will know after his arrival but he is going with the team. If everything stays okay then he might miss one or two matches but the hope is that there is a possibility that he will play. The first [match] may be 50-50," Akram said. Bangladesh will play their first match against India on March 8 in the T20I tri-series in Colombo.

If Akram's version is the correct one, then the BCB may take the all-rounder to Sri Lanka but it would be unwise to drag an injured player into a cricket tour.

Shakib had sustained an injury to his left little finger during the ODI tri-series final in Mirpur on January 27 and missed the Test and T20I series against Sri Lanka, both of which the home side lost badly. However, it is now believed that it was not a wise decision for him to start fitness training on February 22, which has ultimately aggravated his condition.