'I Am Pain-free': Shakib Raring To Go For Proteas Clash 

image-lo40fa0eShakib will play against the Proteas [AP Photo]

Shakib Al Hasan has announced his comeback from injury concerns and is raring to go for Bangladesh's next league-stage encounter of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Mumbai on Tuesday (October 24). 

As the Bangla Tigers take on the mighty South Africans at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, their skipper underlined he is "pain-free" now after undergoing a speedy rehab from a quad tear picked up during his team's earlier match against New Zealand in Chennai. 

The injury had forced the premier allrounder out of his team's popular clash with tournament hosts India in Pune last Thursday (October 19) as he strived to recover for the rest of the campaign. The news from the sidelines now is that Shakib's plan has indeed worked its magic to allow him to play the upcoming game against the Proteas.

The stalwart himself confirmed his return to playing duties in Mumbai during a press interaction on the eve of what is a must-win league match for the 2015 quarterfinalists, who have suffered three consecutive defeats since winning their opening game versus Afghanistan. 

Shakib Confirms Comeback Match Versus South Africa 

"What is the fitness parameter? You are just here to ask questions… I don't know what to say to you. I am pain-free, and if that continues, I hope to play," Shakib was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The veteran cricketer picked up the injury while undergoing his duties in either skill during Bangladesh's painstaking loss to New Zealand at Chepauk. The 36-year-old potentially playing his last World Cup finished off the proceedings without breaking down but wasn't able to recover properly for the match against India. 

There were reports, however, even prior to the India clash that Shakib batted without trouble in an extensive net session in Pune. The experienced left-arm spinner didn't roll his arms over but gave the team management the option of fielding him as a specialist batter until it was confirmed the scenario entailed too big a risk. 

"If there's no problem with running, I can play tomorrow. I wasn't 100% before the India game. It was also important that I don't risk the rest of the World Cup. I am in a good shape now. I am pain free," Shakib added.