Injury blow for Bangladesh as Mustafizur out of Pakistan tour

Bangladesh have been dealt a blow ahead of their T20I series against Pakistan, as left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out due to injury. The experienced seamer sustained a clip fracture to his left thumb during his final Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Saturday.

National team physio Delowar Hossain Siva confirmed the extent of the injury, stating: "Mustafizur suffered a clip fracture on his left thumb while playing his last match of the Indian Premier League yesterday. This injury requires a period of rest and rehabilitation. As per our current assessment, he will be unavailable for selection for the next two to three weeks. We will conduct a follow-up evaluation after two weeks to monitor his recovery progress."

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu-led selection committee has called up right-arm fast bowler Khaled Ahmed as a replacement for the upcoming tour.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three T20 internationals against Pakistan on May 28, May 30, and June 1. The series is part of both sides' preparation for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.