Injured World Cup hero Mahmudullah ruled out of India series

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket team today dealt a telling blow after its premier batsman and World Cup hero Mahmudullah Riyad was ruled out of the upcoming home series against India due to a fracture in left hand index finger that he sustained during a training session.

"Mahmudullah hurt the index finger on his left hand while attempting a catch during the training today. X-rays revealed a fracture which usually takes three to four weeks to heal," team physiotherapist Baizidul Islam told reporters in Dhaka.

Bangladesh will play the one-off Test against India at Fatullah from June 10 followed by three-match ODI series, starting June 18.

In another separate incident, Bangladesh one-day captain Mahsrafe Mortaza paid the price for travelling in a cycle rickshaw, which grazed against a bus resulting in star pacer sustaining minor injuries to both his hands.

According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sources, injury was not too serious for Mortaza, who is not part of the Test squad. He is expected to take the field for the one-day series.