WI vs BAN: Mohammad Saifuddin ruled out of white-ball series with back injury

Bangladesh faced a major setback as their prolific pacer Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the forthcoming white-ball series against West Indies owing to his back injury. The Bangladesh Test players have started off with their red-ball campaign and have lost the first game of the series.

Ten days ago, Saifuddin experienced back trouble and was given a painkilling shot that kept him away from bowling for seven days. The bowler experienced back pain on Wednesday while practicing in the nets. After evaluation, it has been confirmed that he will not travel with the squad, which is scheduled to depart for the Caribbean on Friday (June 24).

He has not reached the required bowling fitness level: Dr. Chowdhury

Saifuddin’s medical board had previously warned the selection committee of his ineligibility for the tour. He was supposed to begin his training bowling on June 21, but could not because of soreness.

“Although Saifuddin is training, we feel that at the moment he has not reached the bowling fitness level required to cope with the intensity of international cricket. He will miss the West Indies series as he continues his rehab and works on his fitness,” BCB Chief Sports Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury was quoted by Cricbuzz.

After suffering a back injury and withdrawing from the ICC World T20 last year, Saifuddin has not played any international cricket. However, his performance in the Dhaka Premier League, the nation’s 50-over Dhaka-club event, was impressive as he picked up 22 wickets and scored 220 runs, won him a berth in the national side.

Six players of Bangladesh’s white-ball squads are expected to fly to the Caribbean for the white-ball series, which consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is. Dominica will host the first two T20Is on July 2 and 3, while Guyana will host the third on July 7. The three ODIs are also slated to take place in Guyana on July 10, 13, and 16.