'He should be excluded': Ex-Bangladesh captain addresses Shakib Al Hasan's availability

Mashrafe Mortaza backed Shakib Al Hasan as the Bangladesh skipper was severely criticised for his persistent injury issues. The Bangladeshi allrounder wasn't involved in the 1st warmup match against Sri Lanka as he is carrying an injury. His presence in the first game against Afghanistan is also a concern.

3 things you need to know

• Bangladesh will open their world cup campaigns against Afghanistan 
• Shakib Al Hasan is a major injury concern ahead of the first game
• They failed to live up to the expectations in the Asia Cup

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Mashrafe Mortaza comes out in support of Bangladesh captain

The left-arm allrounder is unarguably Bangladesh's best player and without his presence, the subcontinental side will have its share of problems. They encountered a poor Asia Cup campaign and a good run in the World Cup would be a big boost for their morale. Shakib reportedly injured himself while playing golf and calls have been made to remove him from the side. But former Bangladeshi skipper Mortaza batted for the Bangladesh captain as he called his critics mentally ill. He took to Facebook to share a lengthy post supporting Shakib.

Mortaza further added and said:

Shakib was injured, so could not play today. I pray that he recovers quickly. But I saw many people writing or saying that because of his injury, will he play or sit? Many others are posting that since he is injured, he should be excluded from the team. Does it matter? What is this mental illness...! What generation are we looking at, what thoughts are they growing up with? "Cultivating so much violence in their minds, what will they achieve in their lives? Is this a team of an individual or of a country?? Not only Shakib, they all represent our country. They are the holders of our World Cup dreams. One will not have a favorite cricketer, one's favorite cricketer may not perform as expected. But the team is all of us. This should be remembered.It is most important to be with the team in the World Cup and give them confidence.

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It remains to be seen if Shakib will be available for the first game. Mehidy Hasan Miraz is likely to deputies if he doesn't make it.