- Ebadot Hossain sidelined from Asia Cup due to knee injury, casting doubt on World Cup participation.
- Uncapped 20-year-old Tanzim Hasan steps in to replace Ebadot in the Asia Cup squad.
- Bangladesh Cricket Board prioritizes Ebadot’s recovery, considering overseas medical consultation for his swift return.
Bangladesh’s fast-bowling ace, Ebadot Hossain, has been sidelined from the impending Asia Cup due to a knee injury he incurred during the recent ODI series versus Afghanistan. Despite his inclusion in the initial 17-member squad just ten days ago, Ebadot’s rehabilitation progress fell short, casting uncertainty on his availability for the upcoming World Cup. Stepping into his shoes is the promising, yet uncapped, 20-year-old speedster, Tanzim Hasan.
Ebadot has left his mark in ODIs since his debut last August, consistently making valuable contributions with the ball. Despite being selected for only one game against Afghanistan last month, he showcased his prowess in white-ball cricket. Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) chief sports physician, Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, emphasized Ebadot’s recovery for the World Cup as a top priority. The BCB is even contemplating seeking international medical expertise to expedite his return to full fitness.
“Ebadot had undergone six weeks of rehab following the injury,” revealed Dr. Chowdhury. “Multiple MRIs during this period have shown lingering concerns with his ACL, necessitating further management. As a result, he will not be part of the Asia Cup squad. With the ICC World Cup scheduled for October, the BCB is unwavering in its commitment to exploring all safe medical avenues for Ebadot’s swift recovery, including potential overseas consultation and treatment.”
In the interim, Tanzim Hasan, untested at the international level in all formats, steps up. With an impressive record of 57 List A wickets from 37 games, including a remarkable nine wickets from three matches in the recently concluded ACC Emerging Men’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Tanzim is a promising prospect. Additionally, his 17-wicket haul played a pivotal role in Abahani Limited’s triumph in the Dhaka Premier League last season.
Tanzim’s ascent marks yet another success story from the 2020 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, with several of his peers having already made their international debuts. As Bangladesh readies itself for the Asia Cup, the emergence of such talented youngsters adds depth and optimism to their squad.
The Bangladesh squad for the Asia Cup remains as follows: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Naim, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan.
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