Paceman Mashrafee bin Murtaza can still play in the World Cup if he can recover from the knee injury within the period the doctors have set for him.
Mashrafee, who collapsed on the pitch and hurt his knee after he had been back by his non-striking batting partner on Sunday, was advised ‘a conservative management of the injury’ which includes a rest for only 10 days.
It was decided following a consultation with Dhaka Apollo Hospital orthopaedic consultant and knee specialist Dr M Ali and Australian orthopaedic surgeon David Young, who had performed arthroscopic surgery on both the knees of Mashrafee in August, 2009.
His medical team also included Apollo Hospital consultant radiologist Bidyut KR Saha and the BCB physician Manirul Amin.
Doctors received the final report of the MRI, performed on the injured paceman on Wednesday, and it confirmed a near complete tear of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament graft on his right knee.
A review will be made after three days of medication with administering ice on the affected area and constant monitoring.
The BCB requested all to respect his privacy and said they will not issue any further statement on his injury status.
BCB president AHM Mustafa Kamal and director Jalal Yunus visited Mashrafee’s residence last afternoon and wished him a speedy recovery.
Mashrafee requested all to pray for him and expressed his determination to play in the World Cup.
‘I have talked to David Young and he told me I will need another surgery in the long run,’ Mashrafee told reporters.
‘Not necessarily I have to have it right now. He said I can wait if I want to play the World Cup,’ he said.
‘For the time being I will go through a recovery process for three weeks, build up my muscle and try to come back in the World Cup,’ said Mashrafee.
‘Young told me to be mentally prepared for the rehabilitation regimen because if I want to play I will have to play with this injury and I am determined to make a comeback,’ he said.
