Shamim to replace Shanto in Asian Games squad

Top-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto will return home from Japan without playing a match in the ongoing Asian Games due to illness.

Shanto has been suffering from fever and is expected to return to Bangladesh tomorrow. Blood tests reportedly came back negative for dengue and COVID-19, but showed an infection, leaving him too weak to play.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to send Shamim Hossain Patwari as Shanto’s replacement. However, Shamim will not be eligible to play in the quarter-final.

Bangladesh contingent chef de mission Major (retd) Imroz Ahmed said Shanto was taken to a hospital in Nagoya and needs rest.

Team physiotherapist Bayezid Islam said Shanto had been experiencing fluctuating fever since the flight to Japan.

-AJM