In a massive blow to the hosts, Bangladesh, their strike bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, has been ruled out of the Asia Cup T20 due to a side strain.
He will be replaced by Tamim Iqbal, who would be returning from his paternity leave.
Mustafizur got injured during Bangladesh’s Asia Cup game against Sri Lanka, which the hosts won by 23 runs.
Bangladesh’s team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said that it was a ‘Grade 1 strain’ but didn’t specify as to how long will it take for Mustafizur to recover from it.
“Mustafiz complained of discomfort after Sunday's match against Sri Lanka,” Bayjedul said. “An MRI scan was done today and the report from the radiologist confirmed a Grade 1 side strain on the right.
“He is under conservative treatment and rest for next 48 hours. Following that, the rehab will begin. We are expecting that he will make a quick recovery and resume bowling soon.”
Mustafizur had also suffered a shoulder injury during Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe, that had eventually ruled him out of the Pakistan Super League, wherein he was supposed to play for the Lahore Qalanders.
The left-arm fast bowler picked 2/13 and 1/19 against UAE and Sri Lanka respectively in Bangladesh’s previous two games, whereas he went wicketless for 40 runs in the tournament opener against India.
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