Bangladesh Get Big Injury Blow Before Asian Games 2026 [Source: AFP]Bangladesh pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the cricket event at the Asian Games 2026 because of a right hamstring injury. This update came just a week before the Tigers’ Quarter Final at Nisshin.Bangladesh received a direct qualification into the Asian Games 2026 Quarter Final due to their higher ICC T20I ranking. However, before they could enter the tournament, a major injury blow has rocked the team.Mohammad Saifuddin out of Asian Games 2026 due to injuryBangladesh all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin is all set to skip the Asian Games 2026 due to a hamstring injury. He reportedly felt pain while bowling during a training session on September 19. The team then conducted a physical examination and an MRI scan, which confirmed the injury. According to Bangladesh team physiotherapist Bayezidul Islam Khan, Saifuddin will need approximately three weeks of rehabilitation to make a full recovery. Because the Asian Games cricket tournament is taking place during this period, he will not be able to participate. Interestingly, the injury appears to have developed before the September 19 training session.Saifuddin had initially experienced hamstring pain while playing for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in a four-day match. He then felt further discomfort during Bangladesh's training, which led to the medical examinations and MRI. With the recovery period extending beyond the Asian Games schedule, Saifuddin will now miss Bangladesh's campaign in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. His absence leaves Bangladesh without an experienced pace-bowling all-rounder as they prepare for the tournament.Also Read - Nahid Rana Ruled Out Of Asian Games 2026, Bangladesh Cricket Board ConfirmsWho will replace Saifuddin in Bangladesh's squad?With the Asian Games 2026 Quarter Final scheduled on September 29, Bangladesh have limited time left to name a replacement. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly informed the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) about Saifuddin's withdrawal, meaning a replacement procedure has already begun.However, chief selector Habibul Bashar said they have not decided on the replacement yet. The replacement will have to come from Bangladesh's preliminary squad and will require approval from the Asian Games authorities.Najmul Shanto also injured ahead of Asian Games Apart from Mohammad Saifuddin, there is also a minor injury concern involving Najmul Hossain Shanto. He has a scrape on the skin of the little toe of his left foot. However, the Bangladesh team management does not consider his injury serious, as he has not been ruled out yet. Overall, Bangladesh are scheduled to travel to Japan on September 25 for the Asian Games 2026.Their quarter-final opponent will be determined on September 28 at 11 AM. Depending on the preliminary-round results, Bangladesh could face Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal or Oman.For now, Bangladesh’s immediate priority will be identifying a suitable replacement and ensuring the rest of the squad remains fit ahead of their Asian Games campaign.Also Read - First Winners Of Each Major T20 League
