ICC World Cup 2023: Shakib Al Hasan Ruled Out Of Bangladesh's Warm-Up Matches, Doubtful For Opener

Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan has been rendered doubtful for their opening match of the 2023 World Cup after injuring his foot while playing football during a practice session. The veteran all-rounder has effectively been ruled out of the practice games, set to start on Friday against Sri Lanka in Guwahati and will likely try his best to be available for Bangladesh's first World Cup match.

The Tigers will likely be captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto should Shakib not be available for the opening match of the tournament on October 7th against Afghanistan. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz is currently leading the side in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka. Shakib is also Bangladesh's joint-most experienced World Cup player of the squad along with Mushfiqur Rahim, having played 29 matches.

The 36-year-old also has the most runs for Bangladesh in 50-over World Cup history, amassing 1146 runs at 45.84 with two centuries and has picked up 34 wickets. The Tigers already had a poor Asia Cup 2023 campaign and are coming off an ODI series loss against New Zealand on home soil.

Bangladesh's 2023 World Cup squad:

Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.