Saifuddin to miss India tour, Tamim uncertain for T20Is

All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is set to miss the Bangladesh’s tour to India next month due to injury that he has been nursing for a long time, reports UNB.

Bangladeshi reliable opening batsman Tamim Iqbal is also uncertain in the three-match T20I series against India due to injury he conceded after playing the first round of the National Cricket League.

Left-handed opener Tamim Iqbal has been suffering from a rib injury which prevented him from playing the second round of the National Cricket League.

In the latest assessment, Tamim was not found fully fit for batting as he feels pain at that time. However, Tamim’s position will be finally assessed again after joining the national camp on Friday.

Tamim’s injury was apparently considered as minor at that time, but he is not fully recovered from the injury that grabbed an uncertainly to play in the India series, especially in the T20I series.

“We’re yet to decide (whether Tamim will be allowed to skip the T20I series). If we come up with a new decision, we’ll let you know,” chief physio of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Debashis Chowdhury told the media on Thursday.

Tamim may miss a part of the T20I series against India for another cause. Tamim and his wife Ayesha Siddiqa are expecting a new baby. If required, Tamim will spend some time with his better half in Bangkok during the period.

About Saifuddin, Debashis said he needs to stay away from playing cricket for at least two to three months to get his injury healed for good.

“We’ve been assessing Saifuddin’s injury for a long time. We’ve sent his scan report to England to discuss with the specialists. But, he still needs more time to get his injury fixed,” he said while talking to reporters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The BCB chief physio said they will not allow him to bat or bowl in the next 30 days. “After that, we’ll asses his injury again to decide further steps accordingly.”

After discussion with the physio in the afternoon, Saifuddin also talked to the media and said he will not be available to play in the ensuing India series.

“I don’t think I’ll be available for the India series. It’s really disappointing. But I’m not focusing on the negative side of my life. It’s part of the life of a cricketer. I think I’ll be able to bat in December,” Saifuddin told the media.

“I was in the national squad of the T20I series against India, but now, I won’t be able to participate in the series. I think a long lay-off will help me make my career longer. So, I’m focusing on my future and trying to get off this injury,” he added.

Bangladesh are slated to play a three-match T20I series and two-match Test series in India next month.

The Tigers’ camp for the India begins on Friday.