Due to injury, Bangladesh’s national team captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, will not be able to participate in the upcoming tour to the West Indies. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed his withdrawal in a statement on Monday.
Shanto sustained a groin injury while fielding in the second ODI against Afghanistan. Following an MRI scan, it was revealed that his injury is serious. As a result, he has been ruled out of the ongoing series against Afghanistan as well as the Test series in the West Indies.
Dr. Debashish Chowdhury, BCB’s Chief Medical Officer, explained that Shanto’s MRI scan indicates a Grade 2 strain in his left groin. He will require rest and rehabilitation for recovery. Shanto will be unavailable for the third ODI against Afghanistan and the Test series in the West Indies. His condition will be reassessed in two weeks.
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and the West Indies is set to begin with the first Test in Antigua on November 22, followed by the second Test in Jamaica on November 30. Additionally, Bangladesh will compete in three ODIs and a T20I series on this tour.
In Shanto’s absence, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a likely candidate to take up the captaincy, though fans are anxious about how the team will perform without Shanto’s leadership.
