Injured Ebadot Hossain in race against the clock for World Cup 2023

Bangladesh could be handed a significant blow as pacer Ebadot Hossain is on the cusp of missing the 2023 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in India from October 5. Though his participation in the big-ticket event appears uncertain, the pacer is racing against time so as to make the cut in the setup upon full recovery. 

For the unversed, Ebadot sustained an ACL injury in the ODI series against Afghanistan and was confined to the sidelines in order to recover in time for the Asia Cup 2023. Furthermore, the pacer was initially named in the 17-member squad for the ACC event; however, he has been unable to recover through the rehab programme, which meant that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) looked for a replacement. 

The board decided to back uncapped player Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and it is still unclear if Ebadot will make it in time for the ODI World Cup. BCB officials are pondering the idea of sending Ebadot to the UK for a second opinion.

Kiron Thoms, the newly appointed physio and rehabilitation manager, will likely accompany the pacer in England in the first week of September. A BCB official confirmed that the board is treating the matter with ‘utmost seriousness’ and will need clarity before naming the squad for the ODI World Cup.

"If he requires surgery, he will almost certainly miss the World Cup. The cricket board is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. While we've provided him with a workload, Ebadot has struggled to manage it effectively. His inability to cope with the intensity resulted in his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad,” said the BCB official as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“Though there's a chance he could manage it with two to three more months, time is a luxury we lack. The World Cup squad announcement is imminent, and the coach needs clarity on his condition to shape his strategies accordingly,” the official added.

Ebadot made his ODI debut in 2022, during the third ODI match against Zimbabwe and has since then featured in 12 matches and picked up 22 wickets. It remains to be seen if the pacer will require surgery or will recover in time for the marquee ICC event in October.

Also see: How to book tickets for 2023 ODI World Cup online?