Bangladesh cricket stalwart Shakib Al Hasan recently shared the untold challenges he faced during his leadership in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The all-rounder revealed that he grappled with blurred vision throughout the tournament, impacting his performance on the field. Advised by doctors to alleviate stress, Shakib’s struggles extended beyond a mere game or two, persisting throughout the World Cup.
In a candid conversation with Cricbuzz, Shakib Al Hasan expressed, “I had huge discomfort facing the ball. It is not in one or two games in the World Cup; rather, I was having it (the eye problem) throughout the World Cup.” His revelation sheds light on the unseen battles players face beyond the boundary.
Despite the challenges, Shakib, a pivotal figure for Bangladesh, managed to contribute a match-winning 82 against Sri Lanka, offering a glimmer of hope amid a string of disappointments. The team’s campaign took an unexpected turn with consecutive defeats, including a shocking 87-run loss to the Netherlands, marked by Shakib as Bangladesh’s “worst ever” in World Cups.
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Adding to the captain’s woes, a fractured left index finger during a match against Sri Lanka further compounded his difficulties. The lingering finger injury sidelined Shakib from the Test series against New Zealand and subsequent white-ball tours, highlighting the toll the World Cup took on him.
Opting for strategic recovery, Shakib decided to forgo participation in the IPL 2024 auction and the PSL draft, redirecting his focus to international cricket. His decision reflects a steadfast commitment to prioritize national duties, emphasizing his determination to don the Bangladesh jersey once again.
-IANS