Bangladesh faced a significant setback before their series-deciding match against Afghanistan on Monday, November 11, as captain Najmul Hossain was sidelined with a groin injury. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also confirmed that Najmul will miss the upcoming Test series in the West Indies later this month.
Najmul’s injury occurred while fielding during the second ODI, forcing him to exit the game, with Mehidy Hasan stepping in as acting captain. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain shared the news with Cricbuzz, confirming Najmul’s absence for the final ODI against Afghanistan due to the injury.
Najmul had been instrumental in the second match, scoring a vital 76 to help Bangladesh equalise the series. BCB’s Senior Physician, Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, explained that Najmul underwent an MRI scan in Sharjah, revealing a Grade II strain on his left groin. This injury requires rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out for the third ODI and the West Indies Test series. Najmul will return to Bangladesh to begin his recovery and will be reassessed in two weeks.
With Najmul out, Mehidy Hasan will captain Bangladesh in the third ODI against Afghanistan and is likely to lead the team in the Test series in the Caribbean. Bangladesh is already without Mushfiqur Rahim in the ongoing ODIs, and the experienced player will also be absent from the Test squad in the West Indies.