Saqib Mahmood Faces Sideline Stint Due to Knee Injury Setback

England has encountered a setback with their pace bowler Saqib Mahmood being sidelined from the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland due to a knee injury. The Lancashire bowler is set to have minor surgery and will consequently miss the white-ball tour of New Zealand scheduled for October.

In light of Mahmood’s absence, Scott Currie from Hampshire has been called up to join the senior team. The 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler caught attention during the T20 Blast, where he emerged as the second-leading wicket-taker with 27 wickets.

Mahmood’s new injury adds to the challenges in his inconsistent international journey. Once regarded as a pivotal player in England’s bowling lineup, the 28-year-old has struggled with various fitness issues in the past, including back stress fractures. His last appearance in an ODI was against South Africa at Lord’s and he featured in a T20I against India earlier this year.

England’s three-game series with Ireland kicks off on September 17, serving as a prelude to their demanding white-ball schedule, which includes a New Zealand tour and a limited-overs series in Sri Lanka in January-February 2026 before the T20 World Cup.