Mominul included as backup option

Left-handed batsman Mominul Haque has been included in Bangladesh's Asia Cup squad as backup to Tamim Iqbal and Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who have injury concerns.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed Mominul's inclusion yesterday and said that it would now be a 16-member team. The Tigers will fly for UAE on September 9.

"There is no issue with Shakib but as Shanto has a slight injury to his finger and Tamim also has an injury issue. We have included Mominul in case he is needed there," informed Minhajul.

However, earlier Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza hoped that Nazmul would be fit before the tournament.

"We hope that Shanto will recover before the tournament and that he can start practising before the tournament starts. But if there is a problem, we will talk to the selectors and you will come to know. We are thinking of two players," said Mashrafe.

Nazmul suffered an injury to his right index finger during slip catching practice while Tamim has been suffering from a bit pain on his old finger injury and underwent a scan in Singapore.

26-year old Mominul, who has played 26 ODIs since making his debut in November 2012 against the West Indies, last played a n ODI against Sri Lanka in 2015 during ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. However, the selectors have changed their mind about him and envision him in the 50-over format again, which is why he was sent to Ireland with the Bangladesh A team. Mominul was the top performer against Ireland in that series, which brightened his chances.