Bangladesh`s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Pakistan after sustaining a thumb injury during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the news through an official press release on Sunday.

Mustafizur, who was representing Delhi Capitals in IPL, injured his left thumb while attempting a return catch in match against Punjab Kings. Although he managed to finish his bowling spell, scans later revealed a clip fracture in his thumb.

BCB physio Debashis Chowdhury said, “Mustafiz sustained a clip fracture in his left thumb during his last IPL match. To recover, he will need a period of rest and rehabilitation. Based on our current assessment, he is expected to be out for two to three weeks. We will reassess his condition after two weeks.”

In response to his absence, BCB has called up right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed as a replacement. Khaled recently impressed in Bangladesh `A` team’s ODI series against New Zealand `A`, earning his spot in senior squad.

The injury is a setback for Bangladesh ahead of Pakistan series, as Mustafizur remains a key component of team`s pace attack.