Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah is not playing in his side's Champions Trophy tournament opener against India. Here's why.
Bangladesh got their tournament underway in Dubai today (February 20), facing title favourites India. Not among their starting XI, however, was the in-form middle-order batter Mahmudullah, who is reportedly struggling with a minor injury.
While there has been no official update from the Bangladesh as to what the injury concern is, commentator Athar Ali Khan said on air that it he was nursing a calf niggle. Mahmudullah had played no part in the warm-up fixture agains Pakistan Shaheens on February 17 as well.
The 39-year-old - who announced his T20I retirement last year - is a huge loss for Bangladesh. Having lost his place in the ODI side in 2023, he regained it in time for that year's World Cup, and scored a memorable century against South Africa in Mumbai. After a run of four consecutive single figure scores in ODIs last year, he returned to form with three consecutive half-centuries against West Indies across November and December, as well as a 98 against Afghanistan.
Fakhar injured himself while fielding in the opening over of Pakistan's clash against New Zealand in Karachi.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 20, 2025
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With Mahmudullah unavailable for the India match, Bangladesh's middle-order consisted of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at three, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim coming in behind him.
However, Bangladesh were immediately in trouble after electing to bat first, losing two wickets inside the first two overs. They then slipped to 35-5 by the middle of the ninth over, after Axar Patel took two wickets in two balls. It could have been even worse for Bangladesh, with India captain Rohit Sharma dropping a sitter at slip to deny Axar a hat-trick and give Jaker Ali a life.
Mahmudullah is the fourth-most capped player for Bangladesh in men's ODIs, having played 238 matches since his debut in 2007. He faces a quick turnaround to be fit for Bangladesh's next fixture against New Zealand, which will take place on Monday, February 24.
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