The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Sunday that experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim will not be available for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies due to injury. Additionally, captain Najmul Hossain is also doubtful for the series, which is set to begin on December 8.
Both players missed the Test series against the West Indies as they continue to recover from injuries sustained during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan. Rahim fractured the tip of his left index finger while keeping wickets during the first ODI in the UAE. An X-ray confirmed the fracture, ruling him out of action for at least four to six weeks. As a result, Rahim will miss the ODIs against the West Indies.
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Najmul, on the other hand, sustained a Grade II groin strain while fielding during the second ODI against Afghanistan. Following scans, it was confirmed that he could not take part in the Test series, and his availability for the upcoming ODI series remains uncertain. A BCB official stated that the team is carefully monitoring his recovery, as rushing him back too soon could result in a longer absence from the game.
“We cannot take any risks with Najmul, as further strain on his groin could sideline him for a month or more, which would be devastating, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon,” the official said. “However, he is progressing well.”
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The ODI series against the West Indies begins on December 8, followed by a T20I series starting on December 16. The BCB has not yet announced the final squad, awaiting updates on Najmul’s fitness.
