23 May, 2025 | 11:42 AM

Bangladesh batter Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan due to a back injury. Allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was initially left out of the T20I squad, has been named as his replacement.

Soumya, who also missed the recent T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah, is expected to be sidelined for another 10 to 12 days, according to Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan.

"Following medical evaluation, it has been determined that the injury requires an extended rehabilitation period of approximately 10 to 12 days," Bayjedul said. "This effectively means that he will not be available for next week's three-match series in Pakistan."

In Soumya's absence, Bangladesh have turned to Mehidy Hasan, who is currently in Pakistan representing Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2025 playoffs. Mehidy has enjoyed a standout 2024–25 season, having been named Player of the Tournament in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after scoring 355 runs and taking 13 wickets. He was also Player of the Series in the recent Test series against Zimbabwe, where he claimed three five-wicket hauls and scored a century.

Although Mehidy was omitted from the original squad for the UAE and Pakistan T20Is, his consistent all-round performances have earned him a late recall. He is expected to join the Bangladesh squad in Lahore after completing his PSL duties alongside fellow Qalandars teammates Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain.

Bangladesh are scheduled to play three T20Is against Pakistan on May 28, 30, and June 1, all to be held in Lahore.