Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been ruled out of the first Test against West Indies due to a finger injury. He was hit by a bouncer while batting in the nets at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Academy on Tuesday and had to leave the practice session in pain. An X-ray showed no tear in his right index finger, but he continued to feel discomfort while wearing his wicketkeeping gloves on Wednesday morning. Bangladesh team physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed that Mushfiqur had not recovered sufficiently to play the opening match.
The physiotherapist described the injury as a contusion, meaning bruising caused by a direct impact. He is hopeful that Mushfiqur will recover within three days and be available for the second Test, which begins in Sylhet on November 5. Mushfiqur's absence has opened the door for Towhid Hridoy, who has been included in Bangladesh's playing XI for the first Test. The experienced batter had scored 81 runs in his previous Test appearance against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The series against West Indies is important for Bangladesh's campaign in the 2025–27 World Test Championship. The team have six Tests remaining in the cycle and need four wins and at least one draw to have a chance of reaching the final for the first time. Mushfiqur's absence is a setback for Bangladesh, but the team will hope for his quick recovery ahead of the second Test. Meanwhile, Towhid Hridoy will look to make the most of his opportunity and help Bangladesh deliver a strong performance in the opening match.