Taskin Ahmed ruled out of the New Zealand tour due to injury

Bangladesh have suffered a major blow ahead of their tour to New Zealand as their star pacer Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out of the series with an ankle injury by the team doctor. Ahmed, who was recalled into the One-Day International and Test squads after an impressive outing for the Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), will not travel with the team for the overseas tour.

He sustained the injury while playing Sixers’ last league game against Chittagong Vikings on Friday, while attempting a catch off Mossadek Hossain and ended up with a twisted ankle. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Taskin will need complete rest for at least three weeks for him to be able to return back to the field as this kind of injury usually takes a little longer to heal.

Ruled out for at least 3 weeks

The replacement for the pacer, who finished the BPL as the highest wicket-taker for Sylhet with 22 scalps, has not been decided yet but a name will be announced soon. As per Cricbuzz, either pace bowler Ebadat Hossain or Shafiul Islam will replace Taskin in the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series.

The bowler was also included in the Test squad and BCB is hopeful he will recover in time for the series. Bangladesh will play three ODIs and three Test matches in New Zealand between February 13 and March 20.

“Taskin tore a ligament in his left ankle. He will be in complete rest for three weeks and then we will review his situation,” Bangladesh Cricket Board physician Debashish Chowdhury was quoted as saying by agencies. “He is definitely ruled out of the New Zealand tournament as this kind of injury usually takes a long time to heal,” he added.

Bangladesh failed to win any matches during their last New Zealand tour in 2017-18 and will be hoping to put up an improved show this time around. Taskin’s absence, however, might hurt the Tigers.

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