Nahid Rana has been ruled out of Asian Games 2026 [Source: AFP]In a major development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Nahid Rana wouldn't participate in the Asian Games 2026 edition. Bangladesh are one of the high-profile teams for the Asian Games and will begin their campaign with a quarterfinal clash on September 29. However, the Tigers have received a massive blow ahead of the marquee event, with Nahid Rana confirmed to miss the Asian Games 2026 due to injury. BCB chief selector confirms Nahid Rana won't play Asian Games 2026Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar, who currently serves as the BCB chief selector, has confirmed Nahid Rana's exclusion from the Bangladesh squad for Asian Games 2026. Notably, Nahid Rana sustained a side strain injury during the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I series. He subsequently missed the home series against Australia, as the grade-2 left side strain forced him out of action for considerable time. Although Nahid Rana was spotted bowling in the nets at the BCB Academy on August 31, chief selector Habibul Bashar stated that the board wouldn't take a risk by rushing him back into action. Also Read: Tamim Iqbal Pulls Rabbit Out Of The Hat For India vs Bangladesh ScheduleSo, Nahid will not be included in Bangladesh's Asian Games 2026 squad, with the BCB deciding to give him ample time to recover ahead of more significant international assignments. “We are not considering Nahid Rana for the Asian Games owing to his rehabilitation process,” Bangladesh Cricket Board chief selector Habibul Bashar was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. When will Nahid Rana return to Bangladesh team?As it is mentioned above, Nahid Rana has already resumed bowling in the nets. While the decision to exclude him from the Asian Games squad is a precautionary move by the BCB, Habibul Bashar confirmed that the tearaway quick will make his comeback through the Afghanistan series, provided he completes his rehabilitation and doesn't pick up another injury in coming days. “He (Rana) will return with the Afghanistan series. It remains to be seen whether he will play Test or ODI. But it is 100% confirmed that he will not play in the Asian Games,” Bashar added. Will Nahid Rana's absence hurt Bangladesh in Asian Games 2026Nahid Rana has been a prolific performer for Bangladesh across formats. Since making his debut, the right-arm pacer has bagged 78 wickets in 32 international matches, helping the Tigers register clinical wins over higher-ranked teams like Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand. While Nahid has undoubtedly been a game-changer in white-ball cricket, Bangladesh have a formidable pace battery to compensate for his unavailability. Hasan Mahmud is in red-hot form, having recently scripted the Tigers' first-ever Test win on Australian soil. He has also scalped 20 wickets in 13 T20s in 2026, showcasing his ability to excel in the shortest format. The experienced Shoriful Islam and Taskin have been proven performers in T20Is, accounting for 175 dismissals together across 149 innings. Ebadot Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib are waiting in the wings, while Mustafizur Rahman could also add enough experience and depth to the squad if he gets fitness clearance to participate in the Asian Games. Thus, although Nahid has been absolutely sensational with the ball, Bangladesh have the luxury of a potent pace battery to succeed in his absence. Also Read: PCB Sends Players Back From England Mid-Tour; Has BCCI Ever Done The Same?
