Shanto Returning Home Without Playing a Match at the Asian Games

Bangladesh’s hopes of winning a medal at the Asian Games have suffered a major blow even before their campaign gets underway. Star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who returned to the T20I squad after a year-long hiatus, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a sudden illness before even making an appearance in the playing XI. He is now set to return home tomorrow without playing a single match.

A joint assessment by the national team doctor, BCB physiotherapist and the local medical team at the Games has confirmed that Shanto will not be able to participate in the tournament in his current condition. Considering the situation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has arranged for him to return home on the earliest available flight without any delay. The left-handed batter’s condition is serious enough that he also missed today’s important team training session.

Major (Retd.) Imroz Ahmed, Chief de Mission (CDM) of the Bangladesh contingent, expressed concern over Shanto’s physical condition and wished him a speedy recovery and safe return home. Describing the situation, he said, “Shanto has a high fever and is also vomiting. That is why arrangements have been made to send him back home.”

Handling Shanto’s absence from the playing XI is now the biggest challenge for the Tigers. For now, the experienced batter’s priority will be rehabilitation and receiving proper medical treatment back home.