Mustafizur out of Asia Cup with side strain, Tamim called

Hosts Bangladesh were on Monday dealt a telling blow as their strike bowler Mustafizur Rahman was ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a Grade I side strain sustained during the home team’s win against Sri Lanka.

"Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman has suffered a side strain and will not play any further part in the Micromax Asia Cup T20," a BCB release stated.

A Grade I side strain can also make him a doubtful starter for Bangladesh’s World T20 qualifying round matches against the Netherlands and the Ireland in Dharamsala.

Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan: "Mustafiz complained of discomfort after Sunday’s match against Sri Lanka. An MRI scan was done on Monday and the report from the radiologist confirmed a Grade-1 side strain on the right.

"He is under conservative treatment and rest for next 48 hours. Following that the rehab will begin. We are expecting that he will make
a quick recovery and resume bowling soon."

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal will replace Mustafizur in the Asia Cup squad. Tamim was not in the original squad as he took leave because of the birth of his first child.

Image: Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal

Photograph: Andrew Biraj / Reuters