Najmul Hossain Shanto Ruled Out of Asia Cup 2023 due to injury

Bangladesh’s hopes for glory in the Asia Cup 2023 have been dealt a severe blow after their star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been sidelined due to an unfortunate injury.

The setback occurred during a crucial match against Afghanistan in Lahore on Sunday, where Shanto exhibited his batting prowess with a commendable knock of 104 runs. However, amidst his brilliant performance, a nagging left hamstring discomfort emerged as a cause for concern.

Following the match, an MRI scan revealed the grim reality – a muscle tear that necessitated immediate attention. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) medical team swiftly advised Shanto to take a well-deserved rest in order to preserve him for the imminent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, set to kick off in just a month’s time. This decision aims to safeguard his recovery and ensure his readiness for the larger battle ahead.

In an official statement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) addressed the situation, saying, “An MRI the next day confirmed a muscle tear and Shanto was advised to rest by the BCB medical team to preserve him for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.”

National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan provided insights into Shanto’s condition, sharing, “The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear.” He added that Shanto’s participation in the Asia Cup has come to an end as a precautionary measure, and he will be returning home to embark on a rehabilitation journey and prepare for the looming World Cup.

While Bangladesh is yet to announce a replacement for Shanto, the anticipated return of Litton Das, who has recuperated from a fever, provides a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered team.

Bangladesh’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign has experienced a roller-coaster ride thus far. Starting with a defeat against Sri Lanka, they displayed resilience and fought back with a convincing 89-run victory over Afghanistan. Notably, Shanto’s contributions have been pivotal, with his top-notch performances making him the team’s leading run-scorer.

In their opening match against Sri Lanka, Shanto’s notable knock of 89 provided Bangladesh a competitive total to defend. His brilliance was further highlighted in the match against Afghanistan, where he played a key role in propelling Bangladesh to their third-highest total in Men’s One-Day Internationals.

Get every cricket update! Follow us on