Sports Desk:

Bangladesh have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their three-match T20I series against Pakistan as top-order batter Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out due to a back injury. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the development in a media release on Thursday.

Soumya, 31, has been suffering from pain on the right side of his lower back over the past week. Following medical assessment, the team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan stated that the injury requires a rehabilitation period of 10 to 12 days, which effectively sidelines the left-hander for the duration of the short series, scheduled to begin next week.

In his absence, the selectors have called up Mehidy Hasan Miraz to bolster the squad. 27-year-old off-spinning allrounder is currently in Pakistan, representing Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), and will join the national team in Lahore after concluding his franchise commitments.

Mehidy has played 29 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and last featured in the format during the 2024 home series against Sri Lanka. His inclusion provides both a spin option and lower-order batting depth for the Tigers as they prepare to face a confident Pakistan side on home turf.

The three T20Is are scheduled to take place in Lahore from 27 May to 1 June.