Double injury blow for Bangladesh ahead of Asia Cup

Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud and wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan Sohan have joined veteran batter Litton Das on the sidelines ahead of the side’s campaign in the Asia Cup T20 tournament in the UAE, beginning August 27.The loss of the two key players is a big blow to Banglandesh in its bid to capture their maiden Asia Cup title. While Bangladesh have finished runners-up thrice — in 2012, 2016 and 2018 — they have never won the continental trophy.Hasan is set to be unavailable for up to a month after he hurt his ankle during training last week, while Nurul recently underwent surgery on an injured finger and needs time to rest the affected area.Left-handed batter Mohammad Naim earns a reprieve after solid form for Bangladesh A during their recent tour of the West Indies and has been named as a replacement, with the 17-player squad to depart Dhaka for Dubai on Tuesday.Shakib Al Hasan will lead Bangladesh at the Asia Cup after he was re-instated as T20I captain earlier this month, but the star all-rounder has kept expectations low for his side at the six-team tournament.