Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has been diagnosed with a retinal condition in his left eye, but it is not expected to hinder his participation in competitive cricket. The versatile all-rounder is slated to play for Rangpur Riders against Khulna Tigers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on January 26 (Friday). 

Following complaints of issues with his eye, the player sought consultations with ophthalmologists both in Bangladesh and overseas. After undergoing multiple eye assessments, the final diagnosis confirmed a problem with the retina of his left eye as per a release by International Cricket Council (ICC) that quoted Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as quoting.

Statement from BCB Physician

“Shakib has been complaining of subtle issues with his left eye. After consulting Ophthalmologists in Bangladesh and abroad and after multiple eye assessments, it was confirmed that he is suffering from Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR) of the left eye. It has been decided that a conservative approach will be adopted for managing the issue for now,” Senior BCB Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury said as per an ICC release.

“Extrafoveal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a condition that affects the retina, leading to visual disturbances. The medical team overseeing Shakib’s case is optimistic about managing the condition effectively with a conservative approach,” the release further adds.

The all-rounder’s last appearance was on January 20 against Fortune Barishal in the BPL, where he contributed with figures of 2/16. However, despite his efforts, his team suffered a defeat in the match by five wickets. Following the game, Riders’ skipper Nurual Hasan also confirmed Shakib’s vision issues.

The fixture against Barishal marked Shakib’s return to the field after a hiatus of over two months, following his recovery from an injury. The all-rounder had sustained a finger injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where Bangladesh did not qualify for the semifinals.