DHAKA, March 2, 2024 (BSS) -Wicketkeeper-batsman Jakir Ali Anik was drafted into the Bangladesh T20 squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for off-spinner Aliss Al Islam, who sustained a finger injury while representing Comilla Victorians in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20.

National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said: "Aliss underwent an MRI, confirming a right middle finger MCP joint ligament sprain and swelling. His recovery is estimated to take two to three weeks, thus ruling him out of the series."

The 26-year-old Jakir showcased impressive form for Comilla Victorians in the recent BPL, amassing 199 runs at an average of 99.5 and a striking rate of 141.

"In addition to Aliss, we have three other frontline spinners -- Rishad (Hossan), Taijul (Islam), and Shak Mahedi (Hasan) in the T20 squad," Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Chairman of the National Selection Panel said.

"We believe that instead of adding another spinner to replace Aliss, the team's balance would be better served by including someone like Jakir Ali, who can bolster the middle or lower-middle order and serve as a finisher," he added.

T20 Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Liton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Jakir Ali Anik.