Mahamudullah may lead Bangla in Shakib's absence

An injury to the left finger of Bangladesh's regular Test and Twenty20 skipper, Shakib Al Hasan has left the cricket board concerned ahead of a home series against Zimbabwe and the Windies.

The injury that the all-rounder suffered in January, aggravated during the Asia Cup 2018 last month. He will be out of action for three months and with series taking place this month, his deputy Mahamudullah said that he is capable of leading his side in absence of Shakib. "I have always liked captaincy as it's a challenging job and at the same time it's a huge honour," Mahmudullah said, as quoted by the International Cricket Council. "I have always looked forward to it, and if I get such an opportunity, I am ready for it."

Zimbabwe will tour first, in October-November, followed by the men from the Caribbean in November-December.

Shakib was ruled out of the home series against Sri Lanka in January and did not play in early matches of the Nidahas T20 Trophy in March. Mahmudullah had led Bangladesh in Sri Lanka and in two T20Is at home against the visiting Sri Lankans.

Bangladesh's injury woes have a long list as it includes their swashbuckling opener Tamim Iqbal, who fractured his left wrist during his side's Asia Cup opener against Sri Lanka. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is also rehabilitating from a rib injury.