Rawalpindi: Bangladesh’s cricket team has been hit hard by the injury of key opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who has been ruled out of the upcoming first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi due to a groin injury. Joy sustained the injury during a match for Bangladesh A against Pakistan A, which has led to a Grade 1 adductor strain, sidelining him for the initial match of the ICC World Test Championship series starting this Wednesday.

According to International Cricket Council, Joy experienced discomfort in his right groin on August 14 while participating in the four-day match. After undergoing an MRI and physical assessments, Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed the nature of Joy’s injury. The rehabilitation process for such injuries typically spans 10 to 14 days. While Joy will miss the first Test, there is an optimistic outlook for his recovery in time for the second Test, scheduled to begin on August 30 at the same venue.

Joy’s absence is a significant setback for the Bangladesh squad, which currently ranks eighth in the World Test Championship standings. The team, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, aims to secure positive results in the upcoming matches to maintain their hopes of reaching next year’s championship final at Lord’s.