Bangladesh suffered a major setback before the ICC T20 World Cup as their key pace bowler Shoriful Islam sustained an injury during a warm-up game against India in New York on Saturday. Shoriful received six stitches on his left hand and is expected to need at least a week to recover, making him doubtful for the opening game against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 7.
Shoriful, who was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh against India, conceding 26 runs in 3.5 overs and taking one wicket, injured his left palm when a powerful shot by Hardik Pandya hit him directly. He was immediately taken off the field due to the swelling on his palm. The injury required six stitches between his palm and index finger.
If Shoriful is unable to recover in time for the tournament, it would be a significant loss for Bangladesh. He is one of the team’s leading bowlers, alongside Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Shakib.
The Bangladesh team management had anticipated potential injuries and included pacer Hasan Mahmud as one of two travelling reserves. Hasan might be added to the 15-member squad if Shoriful is ruled out.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has not yet made an official announcement regarding Shoriful’s injury. In their only warm-up match, Bangladesh was defeated by India by 60 runs at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday.
