Cricket

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.

Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, is likely to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed. Shakib's absence stems from his decision to opt out of the series, coupled with an emotional toll following his inability to play his farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa.Since the second Test in India, Shakib has been on a month-long hiatus from cricket. He is expected to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers to gain match practice before the Caribbean tour.After the Afghanistan ODIs, Bangladesh will embark on a tour of the West Indies for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Shakib, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, will be available for the ODIs in the Caribbean and the subsequent Champions Trophy in February 2025."After Shakib couldn't come to play his (farewell) Test, he wasn't doing much practice," Faruque explained at a press conference. "I think he needs some time to regroup. We haven't taken a final decision but he looks unlikely to play the next series (against Afghanistan). He is likely to miss the series. He could be playing a T10 tournament soon. I feel he can still play for Bangladesh in the 50-over format. There are three ODIs against West Indies before the Champions Trophy."However, Faruque indicated that the board would consider Shakib for the remaining ODIs this season if the selectors deem his training and franchise tournament participation sufficient preparation. "Shakib has played for 17 years and he is part of the generation that plays a lot of franchise cricket. They know the drill. They play, sleep maybe a few hours and turn up for training. So he is geared for such situations.""It is the definitely the best possible thing to train with the team but we will consider him if the selection committee thinks that he can still deliver by training or playing tournaments abroad."The national selectors have yet to announce the Bangladesh squad for the ODIs against Afghanistan starting November 6. Meanwhile, Faruque stated that the decision for Shakib to skip the Dhaka Test last week originated from the government, with the BCB not involved in the decision-making process.