BCB president Nazmul Hasan has expressed his views on Shakib al Hasan’s finger injury, as he says that he would rather have Shakib’s operation being scheduled during the Zimbabwe series rather than the Asia Cup. Apparently, Shakib had made it clear that he could miss the Asia Cup to ensure that his finger is operated.

Hasan, who believes, on the contrary, said, “Shakib called me [from West Indies] and informed me that he needed the operation. The head coach also called me and mentioned that it is necessary because he is not getting the strength that is required for batting. If that is the case, he will go for a six-week break.”

The President clearly does not want his star player to miss the Asia Cup, and his comments suggest that he wants Shakib to play through the injury if the operation is not conducted before the tournament. The President said, “He can be operated before the Asia Cup or after the Asia Cup or during the series against Zimbabwe.”

The BCB president's concerns over the injury are understandable, as Shakib’s presence is vital to Bangladesh’s chances of performing well in the tournament.

Nazmul Hasan clarified his stance on the whole issue by saying, “The Asia Cup is expected to be tough tournament and during that time if a player of Shakib's stature doesn't play, chances are high that the morale of the team might go down. I will talk with Shakib today or tomorrow regarding it. But I prefer if it is done at some other time [instead of during Asia Cup].”

Hasan had a long meeting with the backroom staff to review the performance of certain players and to devise legitimate plans for the near future in order to ensure gradual success on the international stage.

He reportedly said, “Today, during our meeting with the coach, he insisted that it [Shakib's operation] should be completed during the Asia Cup. We suggested that it would be better if we operate him during the series against Zimbabwe as we can also take the opportunity to try out few new faces during that time.”

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be played from September 15 to 28. Shakib’s presence would be extremely important if Bangladesh were to challenge for the title this time around. Given the importance that the all-rounder carries in the team, Hasan’s views are completely comprehensible.