Bangladesh suffered a big blow ahead of the three-match ODI series against visitors India after captain Tamim Iqbal got ruled out of the series to a groin injury.
In the first game of the series, Bangladesh are also set to miss out on the services of in-form fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, to a recurring back pain.
Left-handed opener Tamim picked up the injury while fielding during an intra-squad practice game at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Wednesday.
Though Bangladesh Cricket Board was yet to make an official statement on the matter when this report was filed, it is understood that Tamim has been ruled out from action for at least two weeks.
This makes the Bangladesh ODI captain unavailable for the three ODIs against India, which are part of the ICC Super League.
After the ODI series finishes on December 10, the first Test begins on December 14 and as a result, Tamim faces a race against time to make it to that game.
Taskin on the other hand will be unavailable for the first ODI, informed chief of the national selection panel Minhajul Abedin.
“Taskin is ruled out from the opening game of the ODIs as his back pain recurred. We will be seeing his progress before taking further decision regarding his participation,” said Minhajul to the media on Thursday.
A full-strength India team meanwhile reached Dhaka Thursday evening for three ODIs and two Tests.
The first two ODIs of the series will be held at SBNS in Mirpur this Sunday and Wednesday.
The third and final ODI will be played in Chittagong's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on December 10.
The first Test will also be played at the port city from December 14-18.
The two teams will then travel back to Dhaka for the second and the final Test, to be played from December 22 to 26.