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The Asian Games 2026 is ongoing, and at the same time, the Bangladesh National Cricket Team has suffered a setback as their star batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the quarter-final game against Malaysia. This is a big loss for the side as the batter will be returning to Bangladesh.
Najmul Hossain Shanto has been a key player for the Bangla Tigers, who have done well in recent times under his leadership in the Test format. They won against Australia in Australia and drew the series. He has also been named as the captain of the side for the forthcoming one-off Test against the Afghanistan National Cricket Team, which starts on October 9th.
Najmul Hossain Shanto ruled out of Asian Games
As per the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) statement, it is believed that Najmul Hossain Shanto has been suffering from fever, and after medical assessment by local doctors, he has been ruled out of the Asian Games and is returning to the country as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) did not want to risk playing him ahead of the crucial series.
"After assessment by the Bangladesh contingent doctor, BCB physiotherapist and the local medical team, it was advised that Shanto be ruled out of the Games," the BOA said in a statement.
"Right now, the fever is still fluctuating": Bayjedul Islam on Najmul Hossain Shanto's fever
BCB physio Bayjedul Islam revealed that the Test captain has been suffering from a fever since landing in Japan, and he also stated that the batter was feeling the same during the flight. Bayjedul Islam also shared that the temperature has been fluctuating and he has become weak.
"Najmul Hossain Shanto has been suffering from a fever ever since returning from his flight. In fact, the fever started during the flight itself. Right now, the fever is still fluctuating - it is a low-grade fever."
"Given his condition so far, his body has become quite weak. Since today marks the fourth day, we conducted blood tests for him, and the test results have come in. There are some infectious agents present in his system," BCB's physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said in a statement.
"He tested negative for both influenza and COVID-19": Bayjedul Islam shares latest update on Najmul Hossain Shanto's health
Further adding, Bayjedul revealed they have conducted medical tests; however, there have been no signs of influenza or COVID-19. It is just a precautionary measure, as he has become weak and is still suffering from fever, and he will not be able to recover before the final if they qualify; thus, he has been sent back to Bangladesh.
"However, tests for viral infections came back negative and he tested negative for both influenza and COVID-19. So ultimately, since he is still suffering from fever after four days and considering the extent of weakness in his body, recovering in time before the final will be impossible. So we think that he will not be available till the final. That is why he is being sent back home," added Bayjedul.
