SUSSEX are counting the cost of losing star strike bowler Mustafizur Rahman – probably for the season.

The Bangladeshi paceman has been sidelined by a torn shoulder cartilage after bowling just 7.2 overs for his county.

His Sussex season is likely to be over – and that will certainly be the case if Sharks lose to Glamorgan at Hove tonight (6.30pm) and bow out of the NatWest T20 Blast.

Chief executive Zac Toumazi last night declined to discuss business aspects of the deal which brought Rahman, one of the world’s finest T20 bowlers, to England.

But his loss is an incalculable blow to the county both from a sporting and commercial point of view.

Rahman’s association with Sussex, for whom he signed six months ago, has been plagued by bad luck.

His arrival was delayed by first homesickness, then hamstring and ankle injuries and later a visa complication.

The man dubbed ‘The Fizz’ looked world class in taking 4-23 on his debut at Essex last week but recorded 0-31 against Surrey the following night.

Sussex boss Mark Davis confirmed Bangladesh made the call to pull Rahman out.

Davis said: “He won’t play for us again and that is incredibly disappointing because everybody knows how good he could have been.

“He’s their player. They can pull him at any time.”

As well as adding spice to their white-ball attack, Sussex had hoped Rahman would help them tap into massive commercial potential of fielding a player who is an icon in cricket-crazy Bangladesh.

The county’s Facebook page had about 40,000 likes this time last week but that figure rocketed to 190,000 after Rahman’s stunning debut.

A highlights package of that game on their YouTube channel attracted more than 100,000 views. Such videos usually struggle to reach 1,000 hits.

And three Bangladeshi television crews will be at tonight’s game – despite Rahman’s non-appearance.

The Bangladeshi high commissioner in London yesterday cancelled a visit to Hove. Sussex retain hopes that Rahman could return next season, when a potential masterplan could be for him to take part in the domestic T20 after appearing for his country in the Champions Trophy.

The county are keen to remain on good terms with the Bangladeshi Cricket Board.

Davis added of Rahman: “He doesn’t speak English very well but he is a lovely young man. He is very smiley and the boys like him.

“It has been a revelation for the club to have a Bangladeshi playing for us.

“We would like to get a relationship going with them because they are a very good cricketing nation.”

To their credit, Sussex unearthed a gem when they snapped up Rahman last winter.

But his performances in the World T20 and IPL have raised his profile – and possibly heightened Bangladeshi concern over any fitness issue affecting their prize asset.

Meabwhile England quick Tymal Mills has declared himself fit to face Glamorgan after an ankle problem.