Bangladesh’s pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed finds himself sidelined once again as a lengthy rehabilitation process for his persistent Achilles tendon injury threatens to derail his international career. The 30-year-old fast bowler has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe, with medical experts warning that his condition requires immediate and sustained attention.

Taskin, who has been a vital cog in Bangladesh’s bowling attack across all formats, has struggled to manage his workload in recent years. Despite playing through pain in high-stakes tournaments like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, the strain on his left Achilles tendon has worsened, forcing the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to take a cautious approach.

Chief physician Dr. Debashish Chowdhury explained that Taskin is undergoing conservative treatment to avoid surgery, which would be a last resort. “If he doesn’t stop playing cricket and focus on proper rehabilitation, he could face serious complications in the future,” Chowdhury said. The medical team has also initiated consultations with foreign specialists to explore advanced treatment options.

Taskin’s absence from the Zimbabwe Tests is part of a broader strategy to manage his workload and ensure long-term recovery. The BCB has opted to rest him indefinitely from all forms of cricket to prevent further aggravation of his injury. In his place, uncapped pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been called up to the Test squad, marking a significant opportunity for the young bowler to prove himself on the international stage.

The injury setback is not only a blow to Bangladesh’s immediate plans but also raises questions about Taskin’s future in international cricket. Known for his fiery pace and ability to deliver under pressure, Taskin had reached peak form in recent years, becoming one of the most reliable fast bowlers for Bangladesh. However, the physical toll of playing across all formats has taken its toll, underscoring the importance of workload management for modern-day cricketers.

As Taskin embarks on what could be a prolonged road to recovery, fans and team management alike will be hoping for his return to full fitness. For now, though, the focus remains on ensuring that one of Bangladesh’s premier bowlers can overcome this challenging phase without jeopardizing his career further.