Bangladesh hopeful of Taskin Ahmed’s fitness and availability for World Cup opener
Officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board expressed optimism on June 4th (Tuesday) that Taskin Ahmed will be fully recovered before the first match against Sri Lanka. However, a final decision will be taken after assessing his performance during a bowling session on June 5th.
Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating Taskin’s recovery prior to their first match against Sri Lanka on June 7 in Dallas, especially considering that Shoriful Islam is confirmed to be unavailable for the opening game due to a left hand injury requiring six stitches sustained during their warm-up game against India.
Despite recovering from a rib-fracture, Taskin was included in the 15-member team for the ICC T20 World Cup by BCB. This injury occurred during the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe, causing him to miss the three-match T20I series against USA and the warm-up game against India on June 1.
Taskin commenced his bowling activities on June 1 and had planned to engage in an outdoor bowling session on June 3. However, due to inclement weather, the team management had to relocate the practice area. Instead of going to Grand Prairie, they opted to visit the Mustang Cricket Academy indoor facility.
Taskin delivered three overs with a greater level of intensity compared to his performance on June 1. Following the bowling session, Bayjedul Islam Bayezid, the physiotherapist of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), informed reporters in the United States that a decision about Taskin’s participation will be made after assessing his bowling on June 5.
“Taskin has made significant progress thus far, thanks be to God.” He made significant advancements. We have devised a daily itinerary for him. It was anticipated that he would engage in bowling today (June 3), and our intention was for him to bowl outdoors. Due to the precipitation, we were unable to proceed with that activity. Due to the significance of bowling in today’s itinerary, we decided to bring him indoors. Bayezid expressed his satisfaction that the individual bowled on the first and third days and is now in an improved position.
“He appears to be in good physical condition, and we are recording every session for analysis. Additionally, he is wearing a GPS device that allows us to measure the intensity of his efforts and closely monitor his progress.” If we observe any variation, we address it accordingly. However, thus far, he is making good improvement and today he shown improved effort. “He is anticipated to exert greater endeavor on the following day,” he stated.
“Taskin has a favorable opportunity in the first match, which is why he has been included in the World Cup squad. Typically, injuries of this nature require a four-week healing period, and sometimes the recovery process can be delayed. However, his progress is currently satisfactory,” he stated.
“Prior to the opening game against Sri Lanka, he will undergo another bowling session on the 5th. If we are able to conduct this session outdoors, it would be highly beneficial. During this session, he is expected to bowl with his full run-up and intensity. Based on our observation of this session, we will be able to definitively determine his availability,” he stated.
“The decision will be contingent upon his performance in the fifth game. However, up until now, he has expressed no grievances, and we are optimistic that he will improve in the fifth game. Only then can we determine his standing,” he stated.
“We are optimistic that he will fully recover by the seventh,” he stated.
Bayezid expressed confidence in Taskin’s recovery, but stated that Shoriful Islam is likely to miss the opening game against Sri Lanka. However, he emphasized that it is premature to completely rule him out from the entire tournament.
“Regarding the group stage, we have until the 16th to find a solution. We are optimistic that he will recover before that date. Typically, the healing process for this type of injury takes around seven to 10 days. However, the complete recovery timeline will ultimately depend on the player’s condition.” Today, we will remove the stitches and examine the progress of the healing process. The doctor has provided us with medication and recommendations. Bayezid stated that they will conduct a follow-up assessment after three to four days to evaluate Shoriful’s healing progress. The decision regarding his availability will be made based on this assessment.