Bangladesh batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto has been forced to pull out of the Asian Games cricket competition due to illness. The team’s physio, Bayjedul Islam Khan, reported that Shanto has been battling a persistent fever, which began shortly after his arrival in Nagoya for the men’s cricket event. “Shanto had a fever since his flight from Dhaka,” explained Bayjedul. “It’s a low-grade fever that’s been fluctuating, which has left him quite weakened. He has undergone a blood test as it’s been four days with the fever. He has some infection agents in his body but is negative for both influenza and Covid-19.”
Unfortunately, Shanto’s condition means he will not recover in time for the remainder of the competition, necessitating his return to Dhaka on Tuesday. This is a setback for Bangladesh, who are scheduled to face Malaysia in the fourth quarter-final in Nisshin. Shanto had recently rejoined the T20I squad after more than a year away from the format.
Despite this unfortunate event, plans are in place for Shanto to recover fully in order to lead Bangladesh in the sole Test against Afghanistan, starting on 9th October.
