Will Mushfiqur miss T20Is against Pakistan?

As Bangladesh's squad announcement for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan becomes imminent, rumours have surfaced that experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim could end up not featuring for the Tigers in the much awaited clash against the semifinalists of the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

The cricketers had already begun training in full force since Bangladesh's disappointing exit from the mega event. However, Mushfiqur was seen training on his own at the nets today at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, whereas Mahmudullah Riyad --  being among the four cricketers, including Mushfiqur, to have arrived at the country later than the rest of the world cup squad -- was seen training with the team.     

Mushfiqur, who has featured in 99 T20Is for Bangladesh so far, was the third-highest run scorer for the Tigers in their dismal display during the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2021 campaign with 144 runs in 8 matches with a strike-rate of 113.38, which is slightly less than his career T20I strike-rate of 115.35.     

Bangladesh are tackling injury concerns, with the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Saifuddin Ahmed undergoing rehabilitation. And along with Mushfiqur, the likes of Nurul Hasan Sohan, Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar, who is currently engaged in the National Cricket League, could possibly also end up not featuring against Pakistan as they were not present in the team training.

The first of the three T20I matches is scheduled to take place from November 19 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur before the Test series begins on November 26. All matches of the T20I series will be underway from 2:00pm Bangladesh time.