Star duo's possible return against WI

The Bangladesh cricket team lost both Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal to injuries during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates, however, the duo could return to action in the upcoming home series against West Indies.

Cricket committee chairman Akram Khan informed that the team management is hopeful of Shakib and Tamim's availability in the West Indies series, which begins with the first Test on November 22.

"We might be able to get them [Tamim and Shakib] for the series against West Indies. We probably won't get them from the start but we are hoping that they will be available," Akram said.

All-rounder Shakib injured his left hand's little finger during the tri-series final against Sri Lanka at home. That injury flared up again ahead of the virtual Asia Cup semifinal against Pakistan, with the pain rendering him unable to wield a bat. He subsequently left the tournament and immediately underwent emergency surgery upon his return to Dhaka to extract the pus from his infected finger. The southpaw then consulted a specialist in Australia and informed that his infection was under control while adding that there was no possibility of undergoing another surgery within the next six to 12 months.

Now it turns out that, according to Akram, the all-rounder did not report any further discomfort with his finger and, depending on a medical report, Shakib could be granted an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to participate in the T20X tournament in the UAE as requested.

"We are awaiting the result of a medical report and if the report is positive, Shakib will be granted the NOC. There is no possibility of undergoing surgery within a year and right now there is no pain in his finger. If he is medically fit then he will be able to play," Akram told reporters.

Meanwhile, Tamim Iqbal had suffered a fracture in his left hand's index finger knuckle following a blow from Sri Lanka pacer Suranga Lakmal during the opening game of the Asia Cup. The left-hander consulted a doctor in England and his rehabilitation is apparently going well. He is expected to recuperate and restart cricketing activities soon.