SAMSUL AREFIN KHAN from Dubai

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official on Friday said that the team is hopeful of getting Mahmudullah Riyad’s services in Bangladesh’s remaining two Group A matches of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy after the batter missed the opening match against India due to a calf muscle injury.

Mahmudullah, who has scored four successive fifties in his last four ODI innings, sustained the injury during Bangladesh’s first training session on February 15 in Dubai. The injury forced Mahmudullah to be sidelined in their lone warm-up contest against Pakistan Shaheens on February 17.

On Thursday, the 39-year-old was seen doing some light running with spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed just before Bangladesh’s match against India and according to the BCB’s team manager Rabeed Imam, it was the first time the all-rounder took part in drills since getting injured.

“He is doing his rehab now. Usually, it takes a week to recover from this injury. We are hopeful of getting him back in the side for the next two games,” said Rabeed, adding that Mahmudullah had undergone a scan where no tear was found.

During a media interaction after Bangladesh’s six-wicket defeat to India on Thursday, batter Jaker Ali was also asked about Mahmudullah, and he said, “Mahmudullah bhai is under observation. So far, it looks like it’s going well. But the physio can tell better and give a clear verdict,” Jaker said.

According to medical experts, a Grade I calf muscle injury takes one or two days to heal while Grade II needs seven to 10 days and Grade III needs three to four weeks at least. Bangladesh’s next two matches are on February 24 and 27 against New Zealand and Pakistan respectively in Rawalpindi. It is to be seen whether the veteran all-rounder, who is most likely playing his last ICC tournament, can recover in time for those matches.