Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe expressed confidence about Shakib Al Hasan’s ability to deliver consistently with the bat in the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. The Sri Lankan tactician said Shakib has looked good in the nets after having consulted a specialist for his eye problem. Shakib had revealed he had ‘subtle’ issues with his left eye and it impact his vision.
Notably, Shakib had consulted a specialist in Singapore earlier in the year before he played in the Bangladesh Premier League in January. Shakib had taken a break after the ODI World Cup last year, but returned to competitive action in 2024. He also featured in a Test match against Sri Lanka in Chattogram earlier this year and scored 51 runs across two innings.
Shakib also featured in the Major League Cricket in the United States and played the Global T20 League in Canada before arriving in Pakistan for the two-Test series, starting August 21 in Rawalpindi.
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“He is actually batting well. He has looked fitter. He has done some eye testing as well. He is saying that it helped him with the problem he had,” Hathurusinghe said ahead of the first Test.
Shakib has played just 2 Tests for Bangladesh over the last 18 months and the all-rounder will be keen on making a mark against Pakistan in the upcoming series. Hathurusinghe said he expects Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to play a key role on what is expected to be a pacer and batter-friendly pitch in Rawalpindi for the first Test.
‘THANK THE PCB FOR INVITING US EARLY’
Meanwhile, Hathurusinghe thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for allowing the touring side to begin their training in advance. Bangladesh left for Pakistan early amidst political turmoil back in the country. Bangladesh had a three-day training camp in Lahore before they reached Islamabad, which is closer to Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh’s A team has also been involved in first-class games against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad. Their second four-day match between the two sides will get underway on August 21.
“The Lahore facilities are excellent. We thank the PCB for inviting us to come early. We had good three days of practice over there. We had six players come earlier in the A team in Islamabad. In terms of preparation, we are very happy. In terms of mood, we are very much looking forward to the challenge,” Hathurusingha said.
Hathurisnghe, who has been at the helm of Bangladesh’s senior men’s team since 2023, also spoke about his future with the team. The Sri Lankan tactician, who had previously worked with the team between 2014 and 2017, signed a contract until the end of the Champions Trophy in 2025.
However, the political turmoil in the country might see a change in the board structure.
“I have signed a contract till whatever the date and I’m looking forward to serve that term. If the board (is) changed and the new people want to make a change, I am okay with that. (If) they want me to continue, if they’re happy with me, I’m happy with that,” he said.