Will Taskin make the cut for T20 World Cup?

Taskin Ahmed, a key bowler for Bangladesh, suffered a side muscle injury during the fourth match of the Zimbabwe series, forcing him to miss the final match. This injury has contributed to a delay in announcing Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reports UNB.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selectors had initially planned to reveal the squad on Monday, but are now waiting until the last possible moment to assess Taskin's condition and make an informed decision about his inclusion.

Following the fifth match of the Zimbabwe series, Rabeed Imam, the BCB's senior manager at the media department, confirmed that Taskin had undergone a scan and the medical department was awaiting the results.

BCB President and Sports Minister, Nazmul Hasan, acknowledged on the same day that there was no clear indication of Taskin's recovery timeline. He suggested that if Taskin's recovery takes two weeks or less, he could still be included in the main squad traveling to the USA and West Indies. However, a longer recovery period would necessitate finding an alternative.

As of Monday afternoon, no definitive information about Taskin's condition has been released, and the board has noted that the squad will be announced today (Tuesday). This leaves Taskin's World Cup participation hanging in the balance, with only an official announcement able to clarify his future in the tournament.

Under ICC rules, teams can make changes to their squads until May 25 without providing a reason. However, any changes made after this date require an official explanation submitted to the ICC, adding complexity to the decision regarding Taskin's inclusion.

The Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart for the USA on the morning of May 16. Their first assignment will be a three-match series against the hosts, followed by an official practice match against India in New York on June 1st, before the World Cup commences.

BCB President and Sports Minister, Nazmul Hasan, has indicated that if Taskin's recovery takes longer than three weeks, a replacement might be called up. However, if doctors are optimistic about a quicker recovery (within two weeks), Taskin could be included in the main squad with his rehabilitation continuing in the USA, where the team will travel early next week.

"If needed, we will consult with doctors in the USA," Nazmul said, underscoring the board's commitment to exploring every possible ways to include Taskin.

Bangladesh's first World Cup match is on June 7th against Sri Lanka in Dallas, followed by a clash with South Africa in New York on June 10th. The team will then travel to the West Indies for their next two matches in the first round.

Before the main event, Bangladesh will play a practice match against India in New York on June 1st, preceded by a three-match T20I series against the hosts, the USA, in Houston.