Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against Afghanistan due to a fractured left index finger. The injury occurred during the first ODI in Abu Dhabi, where Bangladesh suffered a 92-run defeat.
According to team physio Delowar Hossain, Mushfiqur sustained the injury while keeping wickets towards the end of Afghanistan’s innings. An X-ray confirmed a fracture near the DIP joint. He is currently undergoing conservative management and will not be available for the second and third ODIs.
The injury is a significant blow to Bangladesh, who are already without Litton Das due to fever. Jaker Ali is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in Mushfiqur’s absence.
Mushfiqur’s injury also raises concerns about his availability for Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of the West Indies, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. He retired from T20Is in 2022, but his finger injury could impact his participation in the longer formats.
Bangladesh are scheduled to fly to the Caribbean after the Afghanistan ODIs conclude on November 11. They will play a tour game in Coolidge on November 15 before the first Test begins in North Sound on November 22. The squad for the West Indies tour has not yet been announced.
Mushfiqur’s absence will be a major loss for Bangladesh, who will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first ODI. The second and third ODIs will be crucial for Bangladesh to level the series and gain momentum ahead of the West Indies tour.
