Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of ICC World Cup 2023

Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of ICC World Cup 2023

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the World Cup 2023 due to a fractured left index finger. This injury occurred during his match-winning innings of 82 against Sri Lanka. Shakib’s absence will be sorely felt as Bangladesh prepares to face Australia in their final World Cup match. Despite their disappointing performance in the tournament, Bangladesh still has hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025. In this article, we will delve into the details of Shakib’s injury, the controversy surrounding the “timed out” dismissal, and Bangladesh’s future prospects.

Due to a fractured finger, Bangladeshi captain Shakib Al Hasan was forced to miss his team’s final World Cup match against Australia on Tuesday. The great all-rounder hurt his left index finger while batting in Monday’s Feroz Shah Kotla victory over Sri Lanka, which Bangladesh won by three wickets.

He will not play in Saturday’s encounter against Australia in Pune after an X-ray taken during the game revealed a fracture.

Shakib’s Fractured Finger

During his innings against Sri Lanka, Shakib Al Hasan suffered a blow to his left index finger. Despite the injury, he continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers. Following the match, Shakib underwent an emergency X-ray in Delhi which confirmed a fracture on the left PIP joint. The recovery time for this type of injury is estimated at three to four weeks. As a result, Shakib will be flying back to Dhaka to begin his rehabilitation process.

Controversy Surrounding “Timed Out” Dismissal

The match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was marred by controversy when Angelo Mathews became the first player in the history of international cricket to be dismissed under the “timed out” rule. The incident occurred in the 25th over of the first innings, as Mathews failed to reach the crease within two minutes of the previous batsman’s dismissal.

Shakib Al Hasan, acting as the captain, initiated the appeal for a timed out dismissal. Despite protests from Mathews, the umpire upheld the appeal, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. Mathews expressed his disappointment, accusing Shakib of “stooping low” and stating that there was something fundamentally wrong with the way Bangladesh played the game.

Bangladesh’s Performance in the World Cup

Bangladesh’s performance in the World Cup 2023 has been underwhelming, with the team losing six out of their eight matches. This has put them out of contention for a spot in the semi-finals. However, their focus now shifts to securing a top-eight finish on the table, which would guarantee them a place in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Shakib Al Hasan’s individual performance in the tournament has mirrored the team’s struggles. Prior to his match-winning innings against Sri Lanka, he had a lean run with three single-digit scores in the six innings he played. Despite this, Shakib remained optimistic and was satisfied with his contribution in the game against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh’s Prospects in the Champions Trophy

While Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign may have ended disappointingly, they still have a chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025. A top-eight finish in the World Cup standings would secure their spot in the prestigious tournament. With one match remaining against Australia, Bangladesh will be aiming to end their campaign on a high note and improve their ranking.

The Champions Trophy offers Bangladesh an opportunity to showcase their skills against the top cricketing nations in the world. It serves as a platform for them to gain valuable experience and further develop their players. Making it to the Champions Trophy would be a significant achievement for Bangladesh cricket and a chance for redemption after their World Cup disappointment.

Reactions to Shakib’s Injury and Controversial Dismissal

Following the news of Shakib Al Hasan’s injury and subsequent ruling out of the World Cup, there has been an outpouring of support and sympathy for the talented all-rounder. Fans and cricketing personalities have expressed their disappointment at his absence and wished him a speedy recovery.

The “timed out” controversy involving Shakib and Angelo Mathews has also sparked intense debate within the cricketing community. Some have criticized Shakib’s decision to appeal for Mathews’ dismissal, claiming that it was unsportsmanlike and against the spirit of the game. Others have defended Shakib, citing the laws of the game and the importance of playing within the rules.

Conclusion

The news of Shakib Al Hasan’s fractured finger and subsequent ruling out of the World Cup 2023 comes as a blow to Bangladesh cricket. His absence will be deeply felt, especially in their final match against Australia. While Bangladesh’s World Cup campaign may have been disappointing, they still have hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025.

The controversy surrounding the “timed out” dismissal adds another layer of intrigue to Bangladesh’s campaign. The differing opinions and reactions reflect the complexities and nuances of the game. As the tournament nears its conclusion, Bangladesh will be looking to end on a positive note and focus on their future goals in international cricket.