Bangladesh have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, with all-rounder Soumya Sarkar ruled out due to a back injury.
Soumya Sarkar’s Injury Update
Sarkar, who also missed the recent T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah, has been experiencing discomfort in the right side of his lower back over the past week. According to team physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam Khan, medical evaluations revealed that the injury requires a rehabilitation period of 10 to 12 days, making Sarkar unavailable for the three-match series in Pakistan scheduled for next week.
The absence of Sarkar, a dependable performer with both bat and ball, is a blow to Bangladesh as they aim to recover from their 2-1 series defeat against the UAE, where his presence was already missed.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Named as Replacement
In place of Sarkar, the selectors have brought in Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was initially left out of the T20I squads for both the UAE and Pakistan tours. Miraz is currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs and will join the national squad in Lahore after fulfilling his franchise commitments.
Miraz has been in excellent form recently, earning Player of the Tournament honors in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with 355 runs and 13 wickets. He also impressed in the Test series against Zimbabwe, securing three five-wicket hauls and scoring a century, which earned him the Player of the Series award.
Additional Absentees and Squad Updates
In addition to Sarkar, Bangladesh will also be without fast bowler Nahid Rana, fielding coach James Pamment, and trainer Nathan Kiely for the Pakistan tour. However, star pacer Mustafizur Rahman is expected to join the team after completing his commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The Litton Das-led squad is set to arrive in Lahore on May 25.
