Asia Cup 2023: Ebadot Hossain ruled out with injury, Tanzim Sakib named replacement

In a setback for Bangladesh's cricket team, fast bowler Ebadot Hossain has been sidelined from the upcoming Asia Cup due to a knee injury. Medium pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been named as Ebadot's replacement. Ebadot, who was a crucial part of Bangladesh's squad for the tournament, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan.

He underwent a six-week rehabilitation program following that, however, multiple MRIs conducted during this period revealed that his ACL still poses a concern, necessitating further management. 

"Ebadot had undergone six weeks of rehab following the injury. We have had multiple MRIs done during this time and the reports suggest that his ACL is still a concern and requires further management. Therefore, he misses out on the Asia Cup," BCB Chief Sports Physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury was quoted as saying by ICC.

With the ICC World Cup on the horizon, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials are prioritizing Ebadot's long-term fitness and have expressed their commitment to exploring all available safe medical options, including potential overseas consultation and treatment. 

"Considering the importance of the Bangladesh team's next major event, which is the ICC World Cup in October, the BCB is committed to exploring every safe medical option available for getting Ebadot back to full fitness and playing as early as possible, including consultation and treatment overseas," Chowdhury added.

Meanwhile, Tanzim, who has been named as Ebadot's replacement, has taken 57 and 22 wickets in 37 List A and 12 First class matches, respectively. The medium pacer is known for his control and swing and would be eager to grab this opportunity and help his team perform better in the event. 

Shakib Al Hasan has been tasked with the role of captaincy for the Asia Cup, taking over from the injured Tamim Iqbal. Tamim, who has been battling a back injury, has shown promising signs of progress and recent reports indicate that he has started batting in the nets as part of his recovery journey.