Bangladesh’s all-format skipper, Shakib al Hasan, has cast uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka due to ongoing issues with his left eye. Shakib, who has been grappling with blurred vision in his left eye since last year’s ODI World Cup, expressed his uncertainty regarding his availability during a recent press interaction.
“I will speak to the officials, and then take the decision (about playing the Sri Lanka series or not),” Shakib stated after Rangpur Riders’ 77-run victory over Sylhet Strikers in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He further added that he would also discuss his future as Bangladesh’s ODI format skipper with the board, as he had previously indicated his reluctance to continue as captain after the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Shakib, who is currently featuring for Rangpur Riders in the BPL, has been primarily contributing as a spinner rather than an all-rounder, as he has not come out to bat in two games. Reflecting on his role in the BPL, Shakib expressed regret at not being able to fully utilize his all-round capabilities for the Riders but remained hopeful of regaining his form with consistent performances.
“The more I score runs, the more comfortable I will be. I can’t find the rhythm when there are no runs,” Shakib remarked. He acknowledged that this was the first time in his career that he had experienced such challenges and emphasized his commitment to making a comeback. Despite his current struggles, Shakib clarified that he was not contemplating retirement from cricket and was focused on overcoming his current challenges.
Shakib’s eye condition, diagnosed as a retinal condition in his left eye, has prompted him to seek various medical opinions, including consultations with leading doctors in England and Singapore. Despite these efforts, Shakib is yet to determine the exact nature of his eye problem. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had announced that Shakib would undergo conservative treatment for his condition.
Regarding his eye condition, Shakib clarified, “There’s no problem in the eye. What you see wearing spectacles, I can see better than you. We are trying to find what has gone wrong.” He also revealed that he had been advised to undergo a hypnosis session to address any psychosomatic issues related to his eye condition, as suggested by neuro-ophthalmologists.
Shakib’s uncertain availability for the Sri Lanka series adds a layer of intrigue to Bangladesh’s preparations for the upcoming matches. His absence would be a significant blow to the team, given his experience and contributions across all formats. As Shakib continues to navigate his recovery journey, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits updates on his condition and potential return to the field.
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