Riyad’s recovery seemingly on track

Chattogram Challengers skipper Mahmudullah Riyad, who has been missing in action following a hamstring injury, is on track to make his return during the Dhaka leg of the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL).

With the Sylhet phase of the seven-team tournament having ended yesterday, play will resume at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday. So far, Mahmudullah has only been able to feature in three matches due to his recurring hamstring injury, which was sustained during Bangladesh’s first day-night Test against India in Kolkata in November last year.

Mahmudullah incurred the damage while batting during the historic Test and the 33-year-old has been unable to bat ever since.

He did seem to have recovered when, after missing the first two matches of the BBPL, he returned for Chattogram to play the following three fixtures. However, the injury recurred once again during the encounter with Dhaka Platoon at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on December 18.

While the team travelled to Sylhet, Mahmudullah opted to remain in Dhaka to undergo an intensive rehab programme with the BCB medical team.

Yesterday, the right-hander was seen participating a running session at the Bangladesh Cricket Board Academy Ground before bowling in the nets.

The Tigers’ T20I skipper seemed optimistic about making his comeback soon.

“I want to come back in the Dhaka phase. I am doing both batting and bowling and there is no pain. Rest depends on the physio,” said Mahmudullah.