Former Bangladesh captains Aminul Islam, Khaled Mashud and Coach Mohammad Salauddin thinks that Shakib Al Hasan and the doctor's advice should be the ultimate deciders for the finger surgery needed by him.
Bangladesh’s Test and T20I captain Shakib is contemplating having finger surgery before the Asia Cup 2018 and that has sparked mixed emotions within the Bangladesh cricket fraternity. The surgery on his injured little-finger on his left hand will put Shakib out of action for at least two months and people have differing opinions on when to get it done and who should decide about the timing.
According to the BCB physicians and Shakib himself, the injury picked earlier this year, is not troubling to the level that he is unable to play. As informed by BCB physician Dr Debashish last week, the surgery will only increase the efficiency of that finger and after that he can play matches following proper medication which includes taking injections.
The world’s premier all-rounder Shakib along with head coach Steve Rhodes had opined he should go for a surgery immediately while on the same day Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan differed on the opinion.
The BCB chief said the all-rounder should be available for the team for a major tournament like the Asia Cup and can undergo the surgery after the tournament. Following the Asia Cup - which will be held from September 15 till 28 in Dubai - Bangladesh is set to host Zimbabwe and West Indies in the last quarter of the year.
A good number of experts in the arena are rooting for Shakib to make the final decision considering the doctor's advice.
Former Bangladesh captain turned coach Aminul understands the importance of Shakib in the XI but at the same time believes no individual is indispensable. The team will need two players to replace Shakib and Mominul Haque as a batsman will be ideal choice suggested Aminul. Mominul has waited for a long time to make a return to Bangladesh ODI team and the time is just right. The left-handed batsman struck a fiery 182 runs earlier this month, on tour of Ireland with Bangladesh A team.
"First thing is no one indispensable. And second the injury can get worse due to the hot climate in Dubai so I think he should speak to his doctor and he himself is not the right judge. He should leave the final decision to the doctor and follow accordingly," said Aminul to Dhaka Tribune on Monday.
"He (Shakib) should not decide from his heart or listen to others except the specialist. As far as his replacement is concerned, you need two players in the team to replace Shakib: a genuine bowler and a batsman. I think Mominul (Haque) is the right person at the moment at number three. I don't know what the Bangladesh team and board is thinking, but Mominul would be my suggestion," said the ICC interim development manager in Asia Aminul.
On the other hand, former Bangladesh captain and wicket-keeper batsman Khaled Mashud said the senior cricketers in the team are matured enough to make their decisions including Shakib.
"The seniors in the team understand and carry themselves well. They are matured enough and so is Shakib. No player wants to sit outside with in an injury because playing is their profession. We first need to know the severity of the injury which only Shakib and his doctor can tell," said Mashud to Dhaka Tribune.
Mashud echoed a similar sentiment to Aminul that Shakib should not put himself at risk and the team should understand that he is not the only option to success.
"The team should not think that it cannot do well without him. We played the previous two finals of the Asia Cup. At the same time it should also be a concern that doing the surgery later will make Shakib sit out for more matches given Zimbabwe and West Indies will tour Bangladesh in the latter part of the year. Every series is important for us and not having Shakib is a big loss for us," Mashud explained.
According to former Bangladesh assistant coach Mohammad Salauddin, a professional sportsperson should never carry an injury. The BPL T20 winning coach believes making Shakib play in the Asia Cup also puts Shakib in risk of further injury.
"I think he should not wait any longer and go for the surgery immediately. There is a gap of around one month (till the Asia Cup) so by the time the other series approaches he should be fully recovered. That way he will miss less matches and only the Asia Cup," said Salahuddin to Dhaka Tribune.
"The Asia Cup is a big tournament so it is never wise to carry an unfit player. A further impact on the area can increase the injury. There is no doubt the team combination is affected due to Shakib's absence. The XI misses a top-order batsman and a strike bowler. His presence allows the team to play an extra bowler or a batsman. But it is what it is. The team should also think of a combination without him," Salahuddin explained.
Both the BCB and Shakib were yet to comment on the surgery when this report was filed. The Bangladesh national cricketers will get back to business following the Eid Ul Adha holidays later this month. The BCB is mulling of calling a 30-man preliminary squad for the Asia Cup. The team is expected to leave for Dubai on September 9.