Mustafizur Rahman Injured Again, Another Global Competition At Risk

Mustafizur Rahman (Source: AFP)Mustafizur Rahman and his relationship with injuries seem endless. The Bangladesh's ace pacer has suffered another injury setback and has been ruled out for at least four weeks after picking up a hamstring injury during the opening ODI against Zimbabwe. He is also dealing with a minor knee problem, forcing him to return home for rehabilitation.The latest injury not only ends his Zimbabwe tour early but also puts his participation in The Hundred 2026 in serious doubt. After missing out on the IPL earlier this year, the England-based tournament was expected to be his biggest franchise opportunity of the season.Mustafizur Rahman Ruled Out For 4 WeeksMustafizur Rahman experienced discomfort while bowling in the first ODI against Zimbabwe on Monday. He underwent medical scans the next day, which confirmed a Grade 1 tear in his right hamstring. The scans also showed minor meniscal degeneration in his right knee.The injury means the experienced pacer will miss the rest of Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe. He was also unavailable for the second ODI, and Shoriful Islam replaced him in the playing XI.Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman Cleared To Play Against IPL FranchisesMustafizur Rahman will also miss the remaining matches of the tour, including the three-match T20I series.Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed the injury in a video released by the BCB."Mustafizur Rahman felt pain in his right hamstring while bowling in the first ODI. He underwent a scan on July 7, and the results showed a Grade 1 muscle tear in his right hamstring. He is also dealing with a minor knee issue. We expect his recovery to take around four weeks. He will return to Bangladesh to continue his rehabilitation,” Bayjedul Islam Khan said.It is vital to note that Mohammad Saifuddin has been named as Mustafizur Rahman's replacement for ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI.Will Mustafizur Rahman Miss The Hundred 2026?The timing of the injury has created uncertainty over Mustafizur’s availability for The Hundred, which is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16. Although he has not been officially ruled out of the tournament, a four-week recovery period makes his participation highly doubtful, especially in the opening matches.Earlier, the BCB had granted him a one-month No Objection Certificate (NOC) to take part in the full competition. Birmingham Phoenix had signed him for £100,000 during The Hundred 2026 draft.Along with Mustafizur, Parvez Hossain Emon also received permission to participate in the league.Why Is The Hundred Important For Mustafizur Rahman After Missing IPL 2026?The Hundred provides Mustafizur with a big opportunity this year after he missed the IPL 2026.During the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders bought the Bangladesh pacer for INR 9.20 crore. However, he never got the chance to play after the BCCI instructed KKR to release him amid rising political tensions between India and Bangladesh.As a result, his participation in The Hundred is his best chance to return to top-level franchise cricket.If he misses the tournament because of injury, it would be another major disappointment in an already difficult season.Mustafizur Rahman’s Injury Timeline in 2026Injuries have repeatedly interrupted Mustafizur’s campaign this year. Before the Zimbabwe series, he had already missed parts of the Pakistan Super League and Bangladesh’s series against Afghanistan because of knee and toe injuries.The BCB had also withdrawn his participation in PSL on medical advice so that he could begin rehabilitation for his knee issue.With The Hundred set to begin later this month, the race against time has started for Bangladesh's premier fast bowler.Also Read: Cricket Australia Confirms BBL Opener In India, IPL To Be Shifted To Australia