ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, as star all-rounder Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out due to a lower back injury.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the news on Thursday, labelling it a setback prior to the high-stakes three-match tour.
Sarkar has been experiencing discomfort on the right side of his lower back for the past week. After undergoing a thorough medical evaluation, the national team physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan, provided an update on his condition.
“Following medical assessment, it has been concluded that the injury will require a rehabilitation period of around 10 to 12 days. This means he will be unavailable for next week’s three-match series in Pakistan,” said Bayjedul.
In Sarkar’s absence, the BCB have called up fellow all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a replacement. Miraz, who has 29 T20I appearances to his name, is currently in Pakistan playing for Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing PSL 10.
Initial squad
He is expected to link up with the national squad in Lahore once he concludes his commitments with the franchise. Notably, the 27-year-old was not included in the initial squad for the series.
Speaking to the media ahead of the tour, the Bangladesh team management shared details about their strategic approach and squad composition.
Discussing the opening pair, a team official expressed faith in the current combination.
“Our openers are both in good form at the moment. Additionally, we have Shanto as a backup option should the need arise,” the official noted.
Miraz’s inclusion
They also elaborated on the rationale behind Miraz’s inclusion.
“Pakistan’s squad features five left-handed batters, so bringing in an off-spinner made tactical sense. Our middle order has also shown inconsistency, and we believe Miraz offers a solid alternative,” the official added.
The series is scheduled from 28 May to 1 June, with all fixtures set to be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Chairman of Cricket Operations at BCB, Najmul Abedeen Fahim, confirmed that pacer Mustafizur Rahman will join the squad after completing his IPL 2025 commitments.
Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has re-joined the Lahore Qalandars ahead of their PSL 10 Eliminator clash against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Updated Bangladesh squad for the T20Is against Pakistan:
Litton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam
Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:
28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
