The Bangladesh cricket team has been hit with a blow as Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
National team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam Khan said Saifuddin reported right hamstring pain while bowling during a practice session on September 19. He was later sent for a physical examination and an MRI, which confirmed the hamstring injury.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement that Saifuddin could need around three weeks to return to full fitness.
Saifuddin first felt pain in his hamstring while playing in Bangladesh A’s four-day match against South Africa A. He experienced further discomfort during training, prompting medical examinations that confirmed the injury.
With only a short time available before the start of the cricket games in Asian Games 2026, BCB will be naming a replacement player, subject to approval from the games authority.
Meanwhile, Najmul Hossain Shanto has also picked up a minor injury. The skin on the little toe of the left foot has been scraped off; however, the injury is not considered serious.
Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for Japan on September 25 for the Asian Games.
Following the preliminary round, Bangladesh could face one of Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal or Oman in the quarter-finals.
Bangladesh Squad for Asian Games 2026: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud
