Saifuddin eyes return after recovery

After being on the sideline due to sustained injuries, Bangladesh pacer Mohammad Saifuddin revealed that his injury hiatus is soon to come to end as he eyes a return to the field.

The 25-year-old last played for Bangladesh in October 2021 during the ICC T20 World Cup in UAE, where he was ruled out halfway from the tournament due to a back injury. He was unavailable for the Bangladesh Premier League but featured in the Dhaka Premier League earlier this year, where he picked up 22 wickets in 14 games for Abahani Ltd.

The crafty fast-bowler now is looking to play in the practice matches between High-Performance team and Bangladesh Tigers in Khulna and said that he has bowled under the supervision of the national team’s physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan.

“I’ve bowled under the observation of Bayjed bhai, and he might monitor my bowling tomorrow as well. Hopefully, if everything goes well then I will go to Khulna to play the practice matches between HP and Bangladesh Tigers,” he said.

“I have bowled with a full run-up today but the intensity was not 100 percent. I will increase it day by day. It’s my body and I understand it; I feel better now which is why I am confident,” he added.

Despite being included in the white-ball squads for the West Indies tour, Saifuddin was left out at the last minute due to fitness issues due to the effects of the injury. He was also left out of the ongoing Zimbabwe tour.

With the Asia Cup starting on August 27, Saifuddin’s will first look to get match-ready and then impress in the practice matches if he is to be in contention for a spot in the squad, which will be announced on August 11 following Bangladesh Cricket Board’s successful appeal for a three-day extension to finalise their final squad for the event.

Saifuddin said he has decided to leave his inclusion to the selectors and the team management.

“I don’t know anything about that. The medical team told me to play the practice matches. Regarding my place in the squad for the Asia Cup, it’s up to the selectors and the team management to decide whether to include me or not. I am just happy to be able to get onto the field and play,” he said.