"His ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) on right knee has to be reconstructed through a surgical operation," said BCB advisor and cricket committee chairman Mahbubul Anam while confirming the heart-breaking news from Australia.

The Board sent the second MRI report of the Narail quick to Dr. David Young, who had only completed a successful operation of another Bangladesh pacer Moha-mmed Sharif in Melbourne recently.

The 20-year-old Mashrafee injured his right knee during the second Test against England last week. Although the first MRI gave the impression that he would need three weeks at best to reco-ver, later a second scan was done at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka that created more doubts. So, the Board turned to the famous Australian surgeon for more conclusive opinion.

The latest setback continues Mashrafee's off-field struggle against injuries. He will now have to go through a three-month long extensive rehabilitation progra-mme after the operation.

"We have already instructed physio John Gloster to fix a schedule so that he can help Mashrafee develop certain muscles before the crucial operation," Anam said.

"This is very unfortunate for country and of course Mashrafee. He is by far the best bowler in the country. But sadly even before his 21st birthday he is going to have both knees operated upon," he added.

Earlier Mashrafee's left knee, which came under the surgeon's knife in India in 2001, kept him out of action for nearly a year before returning to international cricket in November last year.

The cricket committee chairman also informed that Sharif's groin operation on October 30 went successfully.

"Apart from the operation Dr. Young also removed a cyst from his right shoulder joint," said Anam adding that the right-arm medium paceman requires at least three weeks' intensive care before returning home.