‘Ab WC mai maza kaisa ayega’ – Fans react as Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of 2023 World Cup a day after controversial Timed-Out dismissal

A day after making headlines for a massive denial of sportsmanship, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is confirmed to have been ruled out of their final league match of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shakib suffered an injury to his left index finger while batting during the match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on Monday, November 6.

The veteran all-rounder was adjudged Player of the Match for his contributions in both departments, which helped Bangladesh win by 3 wickets. After picking up two wickets, he led the 280-run chase with a blazing 65-ball 82 runs. Shakib was taken for a scan after the match and an X-ray confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of the match against Australia in Pune on 11 November.

“Shakib was struck on his left index finger early in his innings but continued to bat with supportive taping and painkillers,” said Bayjedul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Team Physio.

“He underwent an emergency X-ray in Delhi after the game which confirmed the fracture on the left PIP joint. Recovery is estimated at three to four weeks. He will leave for Bangladesh today to begin his rehab,” Bayjedul added.

Did Shakib play his final World Cup match against Sri Lanka?

The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match witnessed a hugely controversial incident when Angelo Mathews created history by becoming the first player to be Timed-Out. During Sri Lanka’s batting innings, the Lankan all-rounder entered the field late and Shakib appealed to the umpire for this rare form of dismissal. Mathews tried to explain the circumstances of his broken helmet, but Shakib upheld his decision and the batter had to go.

Notably, Bangladesh are already eliminated from the ongoing World Cup after losing six of their eight matches. However, their win against Sri Lanka was crucial for their Champions Trophy 2025 qualification. The Tigers are currently eighth in the points table and a win against Australia will help them climb a spot to secure a place in the upcoming marquee event. Shakib’s exclusion, therefore, is a huge setback for Bangladesh. Moreover, the match against Sri Lanka was the 36-year-old’s final World Cup match as he is unlikely to feature in the 2027 edition.

Here’s how fans reacted to Shakib being ruled out from the match against Australia:  

https://twitter.com/IAmGrootX18/status/1721815268324995470