Injury jinx hits Mahmud

The list of injured cricketers in the Bangladesh camp grew longer as pacer Hasan Mahmud became the latest casualty, raising doubts about his participation in the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE.

The young pacer hurt his ankle while fielding in training at the home of cricket in Mirpur and was immediately taken to hospital for a scan.

It was learned that it would take at least three weeks for Hasan to recover from the injury, which means the pacer is set to miss the upcoming Asia Cup starting from August 27. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is yet to announce a replacement.

All-rounder Sheikh Mahedi was also injured after suffering a blow to his leg during a nets session and limped back to the dressing room.

Injury has been a big concern for the Tigers in recent times. Liton Das was ruled out due to a hamstring injury while Nurul Hasan Sohan hurt himself during a tour to Zimbabwe, but the latter successfully underwent surgery and joined yesterday's training session sporting a bandage.

Bangladesh will take part in two match-scenario sessions today and tomorrow before departing for Dubai on August 23 for the Asia Cup. Under Shakib Al Hasan, the Tigers will begin that campaign against Afghanistan in Sharjah on August 30.