Tigers lost both Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal during the Asia Cup tournament in UAE but the star duo could return to action with the upcoming home series against West Indies. The Tigers played the ODI series against Zimbabwe without these stalwarts and will also have to do without their services in the two-Test Series which begins on November 3 at Sylhet.
Current cricket committee chairman Akram Khan said that the management was hopeful of Shakib and Tamim’s availability for the series against West Indies. West Indies will visit in November with the first Test scheduled for November 22nd.
“We might be able to get them 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.
Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, recuperating from an injury to his little finger, had asked for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play the T20X series in UAE. Akram informed that if the medical reports are positive, Shakib will be granted NOC.
“A medical report will be given and if the report is positive then 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 confirmed.
Tigers won the ODI series 3-0 as Imrul Kayes performed brilliantly in the tournament while Soumya Sarkar was also on song in the third ODI. But West Indies, currently playing in India will be a tougher opposition in all formats. Having the likes of Tamim and Shakib in the squad will not only boost Tigers’ chance for victory but also allowing those two players to sharpen themselves ahead of the World Cup.
-With The Daily Star input
