Shadman Islam ruled out of Bangladesh's South Africa tour with ankle injury
Synopsis
Bangladesh's South Africa tour has been dealt a blow before it even begins — opener Shadman Islam is out with a potentially fractured and torn ankle suffered while fielding in the Sylhet Test. With the squad departing Dhaka on 10 November, Mymensingh batter Mahfizul Islam Robin is on standby as the likely replacement for a two-Test series that kicks off at the Wanderers on 15 November.
Key Takeaways
Shadman Islam twisted his left ankle in the 78th over of West Indies' first innings during the second Test in Sylhet .
A Bangladesh selection panel member confirmed he is 'ruled out from the South Africa tour,' with a possible ligament tear and fracture flagged.
Physio Bayzediul Islam confirmed Shadman was unfit to field or bat in the first innings.
Mahfizul Islam Robin of Mymensingh is the frontrunner to replace him; he is already in Sylhet with the squad.
Bangladesh are due to leave Dhaka on 10 November for a tour comprising 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is .
The opening Test begins at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 15 November .
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa after twisting his left ankle while fielding on the second day of the ongoing second Test against West Indies in Sylhet on Saturday, 8 November 2025. The injury, sustained in the 78th over of West Indies' first innings, was serious enough to force him off the field on a stretcher, with the team management immediately arranging an MRI scan.
How the Injury Happened
The incident unfolded when Shadman chased a ball played towards fine leg by Amir Jangoo. He slipped while attempting to collect it and was visibly in acute discomfort. The team management had him stretchered off the ground and transported to hospital for further assessment. Bangladesh physio Bayzediul Islam confirmed afterwards that the opener was unable to continue fielding and was not fit to bat in the first innings.
'Shadman hurt his left ankle today. So he couldn't field anymore. We have kept him under observation. He was also scanned. It seems he has an injury. We will get the report of Shadman's injury scan tomorrow, and then we will be able to share all the details later. However, at the moment he is not in a condition to bat in the first innings,' Bayzediul said after Saturday's play.
Extent of the Damage
A member of Bangladesh's selection panel confirmed the opener's unavailability for the South Africa assignment, warning that the injury could be more serious than initially feared. 'He (Shadman) is ruled out from the South Africa tour,' the selector said. 'As far as my knowledge is concerned, he suffered a tear while there is a possibility of a fracture as well.' The combination of a possible ligament tear and a potential fracture signals a prolonged recovery period for the left-handed batter.
Likely Replacement and Squad Impact
With Shadman sidelined, Mymensingh opener Mahfizul Islam Robin has emerged as the leading candidate to fill his spot for the South Africa tour. Robin is already present in Sylhet with the Bangladesh Test squad and has reportedly been putting in extra work in the nets under the supervision of the national coaching staff, strengthening his case for a call-up. Bangladesh are also understood to be navigating the rest of the ongoing Sylhet Test with one batter effectively unavailable.
Bangladesh's South Africa Tour Schedule
Bangladesh are scheduled to depart Dhaka on 10 November for a multi-format tour of South Africa comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The first Test is set to be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from 15 to 19 November, while the second Test is scheduled at SuperSport Park from 23 to 27 November. This injury setback comes at a particularly inconvenient moment, with the squad due to fly out in just two days. Notably, Bangladesh's Test results in South Africa have historically been challenging, making a settled top order all the more critical.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to formally confirm Shadman's replacement before the squad's departure, with Robin widely regarded as the frontrunner to step in.
Point of View
But the deeper concern is what the injury reveals about squad depth. Mahfizul Islam Robin is a reasonable cover, yet fielding a debutant or fringe player at the top of the order against South African pace conditions is a significant risk. Bangladesh's Test record in South Africa is poor, and their batting order — particularly the top three — has long been a structural vulnerability. The timing also raises a question about injury-management protocols: if the scan results suggesting a potential fracture were available on Saturday evening, the delay in formal confirmation points to communication gaps that a touring side can ill afford.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shadman Islam ruled out of Bangladesh's South Africa tour?
Shadman Islam sustained a left ankle injury while fielding during the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet on 8 November 2025. A Bangladesh selection panel member confirmed he could have suffered a ligament tear and possibly a fracture, ruling him out of the two-Test series in South Africa.
Who is likely to replace Shadman Islam in Bangladesh's South Africa squad?
Mymensingh opener Mahfizul Islam Robin is the frontrunner to replace Shadman Islam. Robin is already in Sylhet with the Bangladesh Test squad and has been training under the national coaching staff, making him the most convenient and prepared option available.
What is Bangladesh's tour schedule for South Africa in November 2025?
Bangladesh depart Dhaka on 10 November 2025 for a multi-format tour comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The first Test is at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from 15 to 19 November, and the second Test is at SuperSport Park from 23 to 27 November.
How serious is Shadman Islam's ankle injury?
According to a Bangladesh selection panel member, Shadman may have suffered a ligament tear and there is also a possibility of a fracture. The physio confirmed he could neither field nor bat during the Sylhet Test, and the full scan report was expected the following day.
What impact does Shadman's injury have on the ongoing Sylhet Test?
Bangladesh are understood to be continuing the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet effectively one batter short, as Shadman is unable to field or bat. This adds pressure to their batting resources in the match itself, ahead of the demanding South Africa assignment.
