Saifuddin ruled out of Asian Games with hamstring injury

Bangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the upcoming Asian Games cricket tournament after suffering a hamstring injury to his right leg, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Monday (September 21).

The pace-bowling all-rounder picked up the injury while bowling during a training session on September 19. The BCB has informed the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) that Saifuddin will miss the tournament and will name a replacement once it receives approval from the BOA.

National team physiotherapist Bayzidul Islam Khan said Saifuddin felt pain in his right hamstring while bowling in training. A physical examination and MRI scan later confirmed the injury.

“He will need around three weeks of rehabilitation to recover,” Bayzidul said.

Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for the Asian Games on September 24, with their quarter-final set for September 29 at 11am (Bangladesh time). Their opponent has yet to be confirmed and will come from Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal or Oman.

If Bangladesh advance to the semi-finals, they will play the first semi-final on October 1 at 9am. Sri Lanka are among the potential opponents at that stage.