Global Cricket Injury Report: Mustafizur Sweats on The Hundred as Burger Exits MLC

The relentless pace of the global cricket calendar is taking a heavy toll on fast bowlers this summer, with several high-profile names facing extended spells on the sidelines. From the franchise leagues in the United States to the upcoming launch of The Hundred in England, teams are being forced to scramble for replacements as key players break down under the physical strain.[1]

Bangladesh's premier left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is currently in a race against time to be fit for The Hundred. During the opening One Day International against Zimbabwe, he experienced severe discomfort after bowling just six overs and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tour.[7]

Medical scans revealed a Grade 1 tear in his right hamstring, alongside minor meniscal degeneration in his right knee. Bangladesh team physiotherapists initially estimated a recovery period of around four weeks, casting serious doubt over his availability for the English franchise tournament, which begins on July 21.[2][7]

Despite the grim prognosis, Birmingham Phoenix remains optimistic. Performance Director James Thomas confirmed that, following discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Mustafizur will travel to Birmingham as originally planned. The franchise's medical department will conduct an independent assessment to determine if he can play any part in the £100,000 contract he secured in the draft.[1][2]

"We are hopeful that Mustafizur will be able to represent Birmingham Phoenix this year, but will make sure we have plans in place for all possible outcomes," Thomas stated, emphasizing that the club is working closely with national board officials on a safe return-to-play protocol.[1]

Across the Atlantic, the Texas Super Kings have dealt with their own major setback in the 2026 Major League Cricket season. South African fast bowler Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a recurrence of a lower-back injury.[3][4]

Burger managed to bowl his full quota of four overs in his team's opening match against the Seattle Orcas but experienced severe discomfort after just two overs against the San Francisco Unicorns. Subsequent scans confirmed a pre-existing lumbar stress reaction, a dangerous precursor to a full stress fracture.[3]

The 30-year-old speedster has a frustrating history with back issues, having previously missed South Africa's international assignments against Ireland and Bangladesh, as well as the SA20 season, due to the exact same problem. He will now return home for an extended period of rest and rehabilitation.[3]

To fill the void, the Texas Super Kings have drafted fellow South African Dian Forrester into the squad. The team currently sits in a tight race at the top of the MLC table, and losing a frontline international bowler places immense pressure on their remaining bowling attack as the tournament heads toward its July 18 final.[4]

The injury wave is not limited to the franchise circuit; English domestic cricket is also managing a crowded casualty ward. Middlesex County Cricket Club announced that star all-rounder Ryan Higgins will be sidelined for up to two months after sustaining a right wrist injury in mid-June.[5]

Higgins' absence is a massive blow to Middlesex's County Championship and T20 Blast campaigns. The club's medical team is also overseeing the rehabilitation of left-arm quick Noah Cornwell, who is recovering from a fractured arm, and Jamie Feldman, who is slowly returning to bowling following a lumbar stress fracture.[5]

In the women's game, Yorkshire head coach Rich Pyrah confirmed a trio of long-term injuries that have severely depleted his squad. Swing bowler Rachel Slater suffered a torn meniscus during the recent T20 World Cup with Scotland and has undergone surgery, ruling her out for the season.[6]

All-rounder Maddie Ward has also been sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 campaign with a bone stress injury in her foot, while Grace Hall is battling a similar issue. The sheer volume of white-ball cricket this summer has made workload management incredibly difficult for smaller regional squads.[6]

There is a silver lining for Yorkshire, however. The medical staff is carefully managing a low-grade stress reaction in Claudie Cooper's back. After being shut down for a fortnight to recover, she is expected to be fully fit to represent Sunrisers Leeds when The Hundred gets underway later this month.[6]