Bangladesh lose key bowler ahead of T20I series against Pakistan

Bangladesh’s T20I series against Pakistan has been dealt a major blow with the news that fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will miss the upcoming matches after sustaining a thumb injury during his last appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

The injury occurred on May 24, while Mustafizur was playing for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings.

The left-arm pacer was struck on his left thumb while attempting a return catch off Josh Inglis, which forced him to leave the field. Subsequent medical scans revealed a clip fracture, ruling him out for at least three weeks.

Bangladesh team physiotherapist Delowar Hossain confirmed the setback, stating, "Mustafizur sustained a clip fracture on his left thumb during his last IPL match.

He needs time for rest and recovery. A follow-up assessment will be carried out after two weeks to evaluate his progress."

With Mustafizur sidelined, Bangladesh have added fast bowler Khaled Ahmed to the squad.

Ahmed, who has been in strong form in domestic competitions, took 77 wickets at an average of 21.74 in the 2024–25 season.

His performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he claimed 20 wickets at 21.55, have earned him a spot in the national side.

This injury marks the third withdrawal from Bangladesh’s original squad for the Pakistan series.

Earlier, Nahid Rana withdrew for personal reasons, and Soumya Sarkar was ruled out due to a back injury, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz stepping in to replace him.

The T20I series against Pakistan is scheduled to begin on May 28 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by matches on May 30 and June 1.

Bangladesh will be hoping to recover from a recent 2-1 loss to the UAE in Sharjah.

Squads:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.