Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah Ruled Out of Bangladesh ODI and Zimbabwe Test with Calf Tear
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Afghanistan’s Key Batter Suffers Major Injury Blow
Afghanistan’s middle-order mainstay Rahmat Shah has been ruled out of the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh and the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe after sustaining a high-grade calf tear during the second ODI in Abu Dhabi. The 31-year-old right-hander’s injury marks a significant setback for Afghanistan ahead of their crucial fixtures this month.
Shah, who has been a consistent performer for Afghanistan in the middle order, suffered the injury while batting during the second ODI on October 11 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. He retired hurt after a brief stay at the crease, clutching his left leg in visible pain.
ACB Confirms Serious Calf Tear
In an official statement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that Rahmat Shah would be sidelined from international cricket for several weeks.
“Rahmat Shah has been ruled out of international cricket for several weeks after straining his left calf muscles while batting at the second ODI match against Bangladesh on October 11 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi,” the ACB said.
The board further added that medical reports indicate a high-grade calf tear, requiring an extended rehabilitation process.
“ACB's medical team is consulting overseas specialists to ensure he receives the best possible care and rehabilitation. The medical team will continue to monitor his recovery and provide updates as necessary,” the statement added.
Heroic Return Cut Short
In a display of grit and commitment, Rahmat Shah attempted to return to bat after Afghanistan’s ninth wicket fell, despite clearly struggling with the injury. However, he could only face a single ball before collapsing in pain.
Team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam immediately rushed onto the field, and paramedics assisted Rahmat off the ground in a wheelchair. The incident drew applause from teammates and fans alike, who lauded his fighting spirit.
Eyewitnesses at the stadium said the atmosphere turned somber as the veteran batter was taken away. One spectator described it as “a heartbreaking moment — you could see the pain on his face, but also his determination not to give up.”
A Major Setback Before Key Fixtures
Rahmat Shah’s absence leaves a void in Afghanistan’s batting lineup, particularly ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on October 20, and the third ODI against Bangladesh on October 14.
Shah, one of Afghanistan’s most dependable Test and ODI performers, recently became the first Afghan batsman to cross 4,000 ODI runs, cementing his place as one of the team’s pillars in international cricket.
He also played a vital role in the first ODI against Bangladesh, scoring a crucial half-century that helped Afghanistan take an early lead in the series. His technical proficiency and calm temperament have made him a mainstay in the middle order, often stabilizing innings in pressure situations.
With his injury, Afghanistan’s team management now faces the challenge of restructuring their batting order for the upcoming matches. The ACB has not yet named a replacement, though sources suggest that selectors may look to include a young batter from the domestic circuit or recall an experienced campaigner like Hashmatullah Shahidi to fill the gap.
Afghanistan’s Medical Team in Consultation
According to reports, ACB’s medical unit has initiated consultations with international sports injury specialists to ensure Rahmat’s swift and safe recovery. ACB’s medical head said that the injury is being treated with utmost care given the player’s crucial role in upcoming tournaments, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy qualifiers.
“The recovery period for such a high-grade calf tear typically extends from four to six weeks, depending on rehabilitation response,” a team source indicated. “The priority is to avoid aggravating the injury, as recurrence could affect his long-term fitness.”
Bangladesh Series and Zimbabwe Test Outlook
With Rahmat Shah ruled out, Afghanistan will have to rely on experienced names like Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Mohammad Nabi to anchor their innings in the final ODI against Bangladesh.
The Test match against Zimbabwe, set to take place in Harare, was expected to be an important fixture for Afghanistan’s red-ball calendar. Shah’s absence could impact Afghanistan’s batting depth, especially in the middle order where his consistency often provided stability.
Cricket analysts note that Shah’s injury underscores the physical toll of Afghanistan’s packed international schedule and the limited recovery windows players face between series.
Rahmat Shah: A Cornerstone of Afghan Cricket
Born in Kunar Province, Rahmat Shah has been a part of Afghanistan’s national setup since 2013. Over the years, he has become synonymous with the team’s rise in world cricket. Known for his classical technique and temperament, Rahmat has scored over 4,000 ODI runs and nearly 1,000 Test runs.
His ability to adapt across formats has earned him comparisons with top-order anchors in global cricket. His consistent run-scoring has been instrumental in many of Afghanistan’s landmark victories, including series wins against Zimbabwe and Ireland.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Rahmat Shah’s injury is not just a personal setback but a blow to Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket. His calm presence and experience in pressure situations have often anchored Afghanistan’s innings when the top order faltered.
As Afghanistan prepare for their final ODI against Bangladesh and their Test against Zimbabwe, the team faces both a tactical and emotional challenge in his absence. With medical teams working intensively on his recovery, fans across the cricketing world will hope to see Rahmat Shah back on the field soon — stronger and ready to lead Afghanistan’s middle order once again.