Ebadot Hossain has been a major part of Bangladesh’s ODI cricket team for almost a year, offering his fast-bowling skills to bring his national side vital victories. Fans were greeted with shocking news recently when it was confirmed that Ebadot Hossain suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Hossain suffered the injury during a recent series against Afghanistan and will be sidelined for some time.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) released details about Ebadot Hossain’s injury through Dr. Debashis Chowdhury, revealing the cricketer will not take part in Asia Cup 2023. Ebadot is one of this team’s top stars and his absence is a huge blow to Bangladesh’s chances at clinching their maiden Asia Cup win since its first edition in 1984.
The BCB opting to leave out Ebadot became necessary after several consultations with medical staff and stakeholders. He is expected to be out for at least 6 weeks and may be available for the ICC ODI World Cup in India.
Was Ebadot Hossain Selected in the Original Asia Cup 2023 Squad for Bangladesh?
Ebadot Hossain was part of the provisional Asia Cup 2023 squad for Bangladesh released in mid-August. However, the knee injury he sustained during an ODI series with Afghanistan in July stifled his progress in training and caused his drop from the final squad list.
The recurring knee trouble looked set to give Hossain a let-off, but he couldn’t recover in time to earn an Asia Cup 2023 slot. Bangladesh’s 29-year-old star player will have to regain his fitness ahead of the next big tournament for his country in October.
What Did the BCC Say About Ebadot Hossain’s Injury?
The ICC released a statement outlining Ebadot’s injury and other details about his recovery:
“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.”
The BCB also commented on targeting Hossain’s full recovery before the ICC ODI World Cup in early October:
“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.”
Who Will Replace Ebadot Hossain at the Asia Cup?
The BCB has announced Tanzim Hasan Shakib as the replacement player for Ebadot Hossain. Tanzim will come onto the squad as an uncapped cricketer for Asia Cup 2023 upon Hossain’s disqualification.
Tanzim has potential but it will be difficult for anyone to replace Hossain in this Bangladesh team. Hossain got his ODI debut in August 2022 and has gone on to feature in a dozen matches; picking 20+ wickets with a 22.90 average. His decent economy rate (5.60) in 12 ODI games also makes him a top choice for Bangladesh’s ODI team.
Is Tanzim Hasan Shakib a Suitable Replacement for Ebadot Hossain?
Tanzim Hasan was one of the best players for Bangladesh U-19s at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2020. Tanzim also played a huge part in the ACC Emerging Men’s Asia Cup for Bangladesh. He was able to snatch nine (9) wickets in 3 games in the tournament, announcing his potential as one of Bangladesh’s rising stars.
Tanzim has also been a part of 35+ List A games, picking 57 wickets at an impressive 28.82 average. He could be suitable replacement for Ebadot at Asia Cup 2023; only time will tell.
Will the Asia Cup 2023 Be a Tournament to Remember for Ebadot Hossain’s Replacement?
Bangladesh have become perennial underachievers in Asia Cups, failing to secure a title in almost 3 decades. Many commentators expect the 2023 edition to be a contest between top sides and at least two underdogs – Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Stellar performances from Tanzim Hasan may not be enough to see Bangladesh lift the title this time around, a collective effort is needed. Bangladesh could pose a challenge to several top sides like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan at this tournament. If all goes well, this could be one tournament to remember for Tanzim Hakib and his teammates.
Bangladesh Likely Squad for Asia Cup 2023:
Af Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Litton Das, Mahedi Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz; Mohammad Naim, Mushqur Rahim, Mustazur Rahman, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nasum Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan (captain); Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, and Towhid Hridoy.
