Mustafizur Rahman getting taken out of the field | PC- AFP
In a shocking update, Birmingham Phoenix have suffered a massive headache even before their curtain-raiser in The Hundred 2026.
Ahead of their first match of the tournament, Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out for the entire season. Notably, he also had to miss the IPL 2026 season, but the reasons for his snub were different.
The Phoenix are one of the two Hundred franchises not to be owned by an Indian conglomerate or an IPL franchise.
They are majorly owned by the Warwickshire County Cricket Club (50.4%), while US investment fund Knighthead Capital Management LLC (48.4%) and footballer Jude Bellingham (1.2%) own the rest.
Mustafizur Rahman ruled out of Hundred 2026
Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the ongoing franchise, the Hundred 2026. Birmingham Phoenix had signed up the Bangladesh pacer for a whopping price tag of £100k in the auction.
The left-arm quick sustained a Grade 1 injury in his right hamstring during the first ODI against Zimbabwe after bowling out six overs, ruling him out for four weeks at that time, as he missed the remainder of the tour.
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Then, it was reported that Rahman would link up with the Birmingham-based franchise in their home city, but on Thursday (July 23), he was ruled out of the Hundred 2026. Notably, the 30-year-old was set to become the first Bangladesh player to play in the English league.
“Mustafizur Rahman will miss the 2026 Hundred season after a pre-tournament injury. Recover well, Fizz,” Birmingham Phoenix revealed. Notably, Ben Dwarshuis has been named as Mustafizur Rahman's replacement.
Rahman's absence has left the Phoenix with very little international experience in their bowling attack. The only Birmingham pacers to have played international cricket are Saqib Mahmood and Scott Currie.
Mustafizur Rahman injury timeline
Injuries for Mustafizur Rahman have marred the 2026 season, as it is not the first injury that he has sustained this year.
April 2025- Knee trouble
During the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026), the Bangladesh pacer’s stint with Lahore Qalandars was cut short due to persistent knee trouble. As a result, the Bangladesh board cancelled his NOC and called him back during the ODI series vs New Zealand.
He missed the first two games against the BlackCaps before returning for the third ODI at Chattogram, where he bagged a five-for.
July 10 2026- Right hamstring injury
In the first ZIM vs BAN ODI, Rahman suffered discomfort while bowling a six-over spell, before he went out of the ground. He didn't complete his quota of overs, before scans revealed a Grade 1 tear in his right hamstring.
July 23 2026- Ruled out of The Hundred
Initially, the left-arm seamer was advised to take a four-week rest, but he has now been ruled out of his maiden Hundred stint.
What's next for Mustafizur Rahman?
As Mustafizur Rahman will have ample time to recover, he will look to regain his fitness before Bangladesh's historic tour of Australia in August, where they will play two Tests after a 22-year wait.
Moreover, the upcoming season is going to be important for Rahman, as Bangladesh are to play a good number of games in preparations for the ODI World Cup in 2027.
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