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LAHORE: Bangladesh have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, as pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out due to injury.
The left-arm fast bowler sustained a thumb injury during his final Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 appearance for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings on May 24.
The incident occurred when Mustafizur was struck on his left thumb while attempting a return catch off a powerful drive from Josh Inglis. He immediately left the field and did not return.
Subsequent scans revealed a clip fracture in the thumb. Bangladesh team physio Delowar Hossain confirmed the injury and stated that Mustafizur will need at least two to three weeks of rest before undergoing a reassessment.
“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,” Delowar said.
In Mustafizur’s absence, right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed has been drafted into the squad.
The 31-year-old has been in stellar form across domestic cricket this season, claiming 77 wickets at an impressive average of 21.74 across formats.
He was also a standout performer in the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he picked up 20 wickets at 21.55.
Khaled becomes the third addition to the squad after changes due to unavailability.
Earlier, Nahid Rana opted out of the tour due to personal reasons, while Soumya Sarkar was sidelined with a back injury and subsequently replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with matches scheduled for May 28, May 30, and June 1.
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.
