In a massive blow to Bangladesh, star batter and the ongoing Asia Cup’s leading run-getter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the continental tournament due to a hamstring injury, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Tuesday.
Shanto’s injury comes as a big blow to Bangla Tigers, who are already struggling with issues in their top-order. Bangladesh are next scheduled to take on Pakistan in a Super 4 game on Wednesday.
Shanto, who has amassed 193 runs in two matches, will return home immediately to begin his rehabilitation and Liton Das, who flew to Lahore on Monday night following recovery from viral fever, will replace Shanto in the Bangladesh squad.
“The player had complained of hamstring pain during batting and could not field. We had an MRI scan done confirming a muscle tear. As a precaution, Shanto will not take any further part in the tournament and will be returning home to start rehab and prepare for the World Cup,” said national Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan.
Shanto, 25, had scored 89 runs in the first game against Sri Lanka and later followed it up with a fantastic 104-run knock against Afghanistan which helped the Bangla Tigers advance to the Super Four of the ongoing tournament.
Notably, Shanto hurt himself during the last game against Afghanistan in Lahore after which he was seen struggling and was later sent for an MRI, which revealed the injury.