Hasan uncertain for Asia Cup
Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud is uncertain for the upcoming Asia Cup, to be held in the UAE from August 27, after the young pacer suffered an injury during the Tigers' practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.
In what was Bangladesh's first official practice ahead of the Asia Cup, Hasan injured his right ankle during fielding practice and was immediately taken to the hospital for a scan.
"It is unfortunate that the lad gets injured whenever he starts getting into shape. I can't say anything for sure about his availability for Asia Cup as no official announcement has been made. But it looks like he will not be able to take part in the first round of the Asia Cup," Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon said to the media in Mirpur today.
Hasan returned to the national side in the last Zimbabwe tour after over 16 months. His exploits against Zimbabwe -- five wickets in two ODIs and one T20I -- saw him make his way into the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup.
"We have not yet thought of any replacement for Hasan. A number of names come to mind but nothing is decided yet. We have match-scenario practice sessions tomorrow and the day after that. So let's see what happens and then we will decide [on Hasan's replacement]," Mahmud added.
Bangladesh begin their Asia Cup campaign with the game against Afghanistan on August 30 at Sharjah. The Tigers will then face hosts Sri Lanka on September 1 in Dubai. Hasan could miss both the group stage matches.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Mahedi Hasan also limped off the ground after being hit by a ball while bowling at the nets. The off-spinner's condition, however, is still unknown.
Amid the injury scares, the good news for the Bangladesh side could be the fact that wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, who was included in the Asia Cup squad despite his finger injury that he picked up during the Tigers' last tour of Zimbabwe, joined the practice session today. Sohan was seen with a bandage wrapped in his injured finger.