Shakib denies being forced to play Asia Cup

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has clarified that he was not forced to play through injury in the recent Asia Cup, reports Cricbuzz.

Shakib initially wanted his injured finger to be operated as soon as possible after returning from West Indies tour but delayed it following Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)'s insistence on having him for the Asia Cup.

"I was never forced to take part in the Asia Cup by the board," Shakib was quoted as saying by a bangle daily on Wednesday. "I never said anything like it nor the board president insisted anything as such, so don't know why there is so much controversy regarding it," he said.

Shakib, returned home on October 14 after consulting physicians in Australia about the injury.