Bangladesh’s premier fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan after sustaining a hand injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The setback is a significant blow to the Bangladesh squad, as Rahman was expected to lead the bowling attack during the three-match series in Lahore.
The injury occurred during Rahman’s final IPL match, where he was struck on the left hand while attempting a caught-and-bowled opportunity off Australian batter Josh Inglis. The impact caused a fracture in his left thumb, as confirmed by Bangladesh team physio Delowar Hossain.
“Mustafizur Rahman suffered a clip fracture on his left thumb while playing his last match of the Indian Premier League,” said Hossain. “This type of injury requires rest and rehabilitation. He will be unavailable for two to three weeks, and we’ll reassess the injury after a fortnight to monitor his recovery.”
As a result, Rahman has been officially withdrawn from the T20I squad, becoming the third Bangladeshi player to miss the tour. Earlier, fast bowler Nahid Rana opted out due to personal reasons, while Soumya Sarkar was ruled out with a back injury. Sarkar has been replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has been called up to fill the vacancy left by Rahman. Khaled has been in fine form, recently claiming 20 wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League and is seen as a promising option to reinforce the depleted pace unit.
The T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be held in Lahore, with matches scheduled on May 28, May 30, and June 1. Bangladesh will be aiming for a strong comeback after their recent 2-1 series defeat to the UAE in Sharjah.
The absence of Rahman, who brings vast experience and skill to the team’s pace department, is a setback, but the Bangladesh camp remains optimistic about stepping up to the challenge. Despite his absence from the field, Rahman is expected to remain closely connected with the team during his recovery.