Bangladesh cricket has had a difficult year, but their on-field problems were overshadowed by an ugly incident during the second one-day international against Pakistan at Dhaka yesterday (Jan 24) which left Shoaib Akhtar in hospital. Shoaib was fielding at fine leg during Bangladesh's reply when he was struck by part of a brick thrown from the crowd. He slumped to the ground and remained motionless for a few seconds before being helped from the field by team-mates. When he reached the dressing-room he was sick twice and was taken to the Combined Military Hospital for tests. Although X-rays and a CT scan revealed no serious damage, Shoaib was detained in the hospital overnight as a precaution.

After the incident the Pakistani players refused to return to the field, but after they received assurances from Bangladesh Cricket Board officials, play resumed three-quarters of an hour later.

During the stoppage, BCB director Syed Ashraful Huq made an emotional plea for calm among the crowd, warning that Dhaka's international status could be threatened by further violence.

A 15 year-old schoolboy was arrested in connection with the assault.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd