Return to cricket depends on finger strength: Shakib

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned to Dhaka on Sunday following his treatment and diagnosis in Australia for a finger injury and infection.

Sports Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 14 Oct 2018, 02:20 PM
Updated : 14 Oct 2018, 02:28 PM

He hoped that it might be possible to get back to action within a month depending on the strength of his finger.

Shakib went to Australia on Oct 5 after taking initial treatment at a hospital in Dhaka as the finger was infected after he was injured. He underwent treatment at a hospital in Melbourne for almost a week. During that time, rumours swirled on the social media over his return and the condition of his finger.     

Shakib himself is not sure when he would be able to play. But after returning home on Sunday, the all-rounder told the media that it might be possible return to action earlier than expected if everything works in his favour. 

“It is such a problem that no time frame can be completely accurate. It might be possible to return in the next month. At present, I am feeling good and not feeling any pain. The most important thing is the finger strength. It can return to normal soon through rehabilitation. If my strength returns, I will be back within a month.”

The exact date of his return will be confirmed after the rehabilitation process begins. But he may need to be treated again if the pain returns.

He said there is a possibility of another surgery if the infection returns after the rehabilitation. The best option is to be able to play without any surgery but nothing is certain at this point, he said.

“The infection is under control. But I have to get blood tests done every week to check the status of the infection,” he said.

“Another surgery is not possible within the next six to 12 months. If the infection gets to the bone, there is no possibility of a cure due to the lack of blood circulation. That is why it is not possible to do the surgery in six to 12 months," he added. "But the good thing is I can play without a surgery. As I can't undergo a surgery right now, both the physicians and I are thinking how I can manage to play without the surgery."

Shakib said if everything goes according to plan, it might not be more than two months before he returns to international cricket again. Shakib hinted that he might be available for the Bangladesh Premier League, but will likely miss the home series against Zimbabwe and West Indies.