Afghanistan’s pace attack has suffered a setback with Mohammad Saleem being ruled out of the ODI series against Bangladesh after sustaining an injury that will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. Saleem, who had been expected to play a key role with the new ball, reportedly picked up the injury during training, prompting team management and medical staff to withdraw him from the squad as a precaution. His absence is a significant blow for Afghanistan, as Saleem’s ability to extract movement early and apply pressure in the powerplay had made him a crucial component of the bowling unit. The selectors are now expected to name a replacement soon, with several young fast bowlers in contention to fill the void. Team officials emphasised that Saleem’s recovery would not be rushed, prioritising his long-term fitness ahead of the busy international schedule leading into next year’s major tournaments. For Afghanistan, the loss comes at a challenging time, with the team seeking to build momentum and consistency in the 50-over format. Despite the setback, the camp remains optimistic that the rest of the attack — led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq — can step up and deliver in Saleem’s absence.