Bangladesh opener Litton Das ruled out of Asia Cup 2023, replacement announced

Published at :August 30, 2023 at 8:10 PM

Modified at :August 30, 2023 at 8:10 PM

Massive set back for Bangladesh, as Litton Das gets ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 due to viral fever.

The 16th edition of Asia Cup 2023 is ready to start today, with Pakistan taking on Nepal in the opening game of Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan. The top six teams will compete in this competition, divided into two groups of three. India, Pakistan, and Nepal are slotted in group A, while group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the super four. The top two teams from the super four will play in the finals on September 17 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Tomorrow, there will be a game from group B between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Pallekele Cricket Stadium. However, just a few hours ahead of the tournament's opener, Bangladesh suffered a massive blow.

Anamul Haque Bijoy to replace Litton Das in the squad for Asia Cup 2023

It came as a big shocker for Bangladesh team and fans because Litton Das has been their most prolific run-getter across formats. He was the second-highest run-getter in 2022 across formats in international cricket. Das suffered from a viral fever and wasn't able to recover from it. That was the reason that he didn't travel with the team to Sri Lanka for the opening game.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) released a statement and confirmed this news on Wednesday morning. They also confirmed his replacement, he will be replaced by another wicket-keeper batter. BCB said in a statement, "The national selection panel of the BCB has named 30-years-old fellow right-hander Anamul Haque Bijoy as Litton’s replacement."

Anamul last played an ODI for Bangladesh in December 2022 against India. Since then, he hasn't been part of Bangladesh team. He has played a total of 44 ODIs and scored 1254 runs at an average of 30.59, with three centuries and five half-centuries. He will join the team soon, as Bangladesh are scheduled to play their opening game of the Asia Cup 2023 tomorrow. Anamul is also a top-order batter who can keep wickets like Litton Das.