Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto Ruled Out Of Asia Cup 2023 With Hamstring Injury; Litton Das Replaces

Injuries continue to plague Bangladesh everywhere their current Asia Cup campaign; Najmul Hossain Shanto's hamstring issue will keep him out of action for the rest of the competition.

He will return to Bangladesh right away to continue his recovery in front of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to start in India next month, according to the nation's Cricket Board (BCB).

After receiving his medical clearance on Tuesday, Litton Das, the premier wicketkeeper batter who had been earlier ruled out of the competition due to sickness, joined the squad in Shanto's stead.

Shanto sustained his injury during Bangladesh's match against Afghanistan, where he amassed a stunning 104 runs to lead the side to an 89-run victory, according to team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan.

Shanto did not take the pitch as Afghanistan pursued, perhaps because he was having difficulty running in the latter part of Bangladesh's innings.

"During batting, the player complained of hamstring strain, which prevented him from fielding. We got an MRI, which confirmed the muscle injury," Bayjedul told ESPNCricinfo in a statement.
"Shanto will not be participating in the tournament going forward due to safety concerns. He will be going back home to begin his rehabilitation and get ready for the World Cup."

Shanto has amassed 193 runs at an outstanding average of 96.50 in a few games, including a century and a half-century, to take the lead in the event thus far.
In the meantime, Bangladesh has seen a significant boost with the return of its Litton, coinciding with the Super-Four stage.

ESPNCricinfo cited Bangladesh top selector Minhajul Abedin as stating, "The team management felt the need for an additional player going into the Super Four, as there are a few injury concerns with the Asia Cup squad."

"We have chosen to send Litton to Pakistan after receiving the BCB medical team's clearance regarding his health."

In addition to Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had to retire injured after getting finger cramps during his century.

Mustafizur Rahman sustained an injury during a previous game on August 31 at Pallekele against Sri Lanka, which kept him from playing against Afghanistan.