As the clock ticks down to a crucial match, there’s still no clarity on whether Mehidy Hasan Miraz will make the lineup.
Newly appointed ODI captain Miraz was absent from training for the second straight day on Monday (June 16th), as he continues to recover from a stubborn fever. As the hours tick down, concern over his fitness is only growing.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto faced questions about Miraz during the pre-match press conference but didn’t have much to offer. He acknowledged that Miraz hasn’t recovered yet and confirmed that the all-rounder remains out of training for now.
Illness Creates Early Setback for New Test Championship Campaign
The timing couldn’t be worse. Bangladesh is beginning its journey in a fresh World Test Championship cycle, hoping to build on the momentum of its last campaign. And Miraz was central to that.
He was Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer of Bangladesh team in the previous cycle of World Test Championship and played a pivotal role in the team’s away victory against Pakistan. For a side still adjusting under new leadership, his absence leaves a notable gap in both performance and morale.
Miraz was expected to rejoin training this week. That didn’t happen. And now, with the match less than 24 hours away, the uncertainty is feeding into strategy questions Bangladesh would rather not be dealing with right now.
Team Looks to Possible Replacements, But Questions Remain
If Miraz is ultimately ruled out, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan could be slotted in. But it’s not a clean swap. Miraz brings balance with both bat and ball, and his on-field awareness is hard to replace.
The leadership group will now likely lean on senior figures like Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shanto himself to cover the loss. Mushfiqur, in particular, has experience and past success on Sri Lankan grounds — something the team might try to draw upon.
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Social Media Clues and a Growing Concern
Miraz had earlier posted on Facebook urging fans to remain cautious about COVID-19. The timing of that post raised initial concerns, and shortly after, reports of his fever began circulating.
No official diagnosis has been made public, and the team has avoided giving specific timelines for recovery. That silence has only added to the speculation.
Since arriving in Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh team has held two full training sessions. Miraz has missed both. The rest of the squad appeared on schedule Tuesday as preparations entered the final phase before the match.
Focus on Starting Strong, Even Without Miraz
During his press conference, Shanto was asked whether the team dreams of reaching the final of the Test Championship. His response was measured. He said the focus is on finishing in the top four or five — a target that seems realistic if the team can get off to a solid start.
But that’s the challenge now. Starting well, without one of your most consistent performers, adds pressure.
Bangladesh will need key players to step up. Litton, Shanto, Mushfiq — all of them might have to shoulder more than usual. Whether they can do it without Miraz is the story that begins unfolding tomorrow.
And if he does miss out, it’s not just a tactical setback. It’s a reminder that form, planning, and leadership sometimes meet the unpredictable.
