Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan following a hand injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-arm seamer suffered a blow to his left thumb while attempting to take a return catch from Josh Inglis during the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kungs, which led to him leaving the field immediately. Subsequent medical examinations revealed a clip fracture.
Team physiotherapist Delowar Hossain confirmed that Mustafizur will need a recovery period of two to three weeks before his condition can be reassessed.
“Mustafizur has suffered a clip fracture in his left thumb during his most recent IPL outing. He will need a period of rest and rehabilitation. A follow-up evaluation is planned in two weeks to determine his recovery progress,” Hossain said (as quoted by ESPNCricinfo).
Khaled replaces Mustafizur in the T20I squad
As a result, Khaled Ahmed has been drafted into the squad as his replacement. Mustafizur becomes the third player to withdraw from the squad ahead of the series beginning May 28 in Lahore.
Earlier, Nahid Rana withdrew due to personal reasons, and Soumya Sarkar was sidelined with a back injury.
Khaled has earned his call-up after an outstanding domestic campaign, in which he took 77 wickets across formats at an average of 21.74 in the 2024–25 season.
The three-match T20I series against Pakistan is scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 28, May 30, and June 1. Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back after losing their previous T20I series 2-1 against the UAE in Sharjah.
Bangladesh squad for Pakistan T20Is: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.