Liton Das Forced to Miss Asia Cup Due to Viral Fever; Anamul Haque Bijoy Steps In
In a major setback for Bangladesh, their prominent wicket-keeper batter, Liton Das, has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup due to an ongoing viral fever.
Unexpected Setback for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s cricket team received a substantial blow with the news of Liton Das being unavailable for the Asia Cup. The star wicket-keeper batter’s battle with a viral fever led to his unfortunate withdrawal from the tournament.
Anamul Haque Bijoy Takes Up the Mantle
Minhajul Abedin, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, revealed that Liton Das did not join the squad in Sri Lanka for the tournament’s opening match. In his place, the experienced 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, Anamul Haque Bijoy, has been selected as the replacement. Anamul is set to join the team in Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Minhajul Abedin shared, “Anamul has consistently performed well in domestic cricket, and we’ve closely observed his progress in the Bangladesh Tigers program. He has always been in our considerations.”
Shifting Roles and Responsibilities
With Liton’s unavailability, the team was in need of a top-order batter who could also fulfill the wicket-keeping duties. The decision to include Anamul Haque Bijoy was based on these requirements, Minhajul Abedin explained.
Anamul Haque Bijoy’s track record includes 44 ODIs for Bangladesh, accumulating 1254 runs, including three centuries. His most recent ODI appearance was during a home series against India in December of the previous year.
A Twist-Filled Squad Selection
The road to finalizing the Asian Cup squad has been marked by twists and turns. Captain Tamim Iqbal initially stepped down from his role and announced his retirement from ODI cricket. However, he reversed his decision after a personal meeting with Bangladesh President Sheikh. Amidst rumors of Liton Das possibly taking on the captaincy, the reins were handed over to All-Rounder Shakib Al Hasan until the World Cup 2023.
Tournament Kick-Off and Updated Squad
The Asia Cup is set to begin shortly at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan, with the inaugural match featuring Pakistan against debutant Nepal. The revised Bangladesh squad now includes:
Shakib Al Hasan (C), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy
Bangladesh faces a setback as Liton Das withdraws from Asia Cup due to illness; Anamul Haque Bijoy steps in as replacement.
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