Set to become father, Mustafizur Rahman likely to miss ODI, T20Is vs West Indies
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman is unlikely to take part in the upcoming ODI series and T20I series against the West Indies. The speedster is set to become a father as he reportedly asked the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for leave in the month of December.
The white-ball affair starts with the first ODI on December 8 at the Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts and finishes with the third T20I on December 19 at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.
“It’s true that he (Mustafizur) asked for leave (during the white-ball series against West Indies) but we are yet to take a decision as there is still time in our hand. Let him come and we can talk over the matter and see whether he can be available for one format (ODIs, T20Is) or not,” a BCB official said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“At the same time we have to consider this is a family issue and it is top priority for everyone,” the official added. Mustafizur has been a crucial part of Bangladesh’s limited-overs setup as he last played Tests back in June 2022.
Mustafizur is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the Tigers are facing Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series. As per reports, Mustafizur is expected to return to Dhaka on Wednesday, November 13.
Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies starts with the opening Test from November 22 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The Tigers will also play a warm-up match from November 15 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
Most of the Bangladesh cricketers will travel from Dubai to the West Indies. Players like Mominul Haque Showrabh and Taijul Islam will go to Dubai to join the squad.
