Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of today’s third ODI match against Afghanistan in Sharjah and the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. Shanto sustained a groin strain while fielding in the second ODI last Saturday, leading to his early exit from the game. An MRI scan conducted the following day confirmed the extent of the injury.

Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, Senior Physician of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), commented: “Shanto underwent an MRI in Sharjah yesterday. We have received the team physio’s report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin. This will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. He has been ruled out of the third ODI against Afghanistan and will also be unavailable for the Test series in the West Indies. We will reassess his condition after two weeks. He will return home from the UAE to continue his rehab.”

Shanto’s absence will be a significant setback for Bangladesh, who are concluding their ODI series in Sharjah today.

The series is currently at 1-1 after the first two ODIs. Afghanistan won the first match by 92 runs and Bangladesh picked up the win in the second match by 68 runs.