Mohammed Saifuddin has been ruled out of the Asian Games 2026 after sustaining a right hamstring injury during a practice session on September 19, 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board subsequently notified the Bangladesh Olympic Association of his unavailability for the tournament.
A physical examination and MRI confirmed the extent of the injury. Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan assessed Saifuddin and determined that he will need approximately three weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to action.
“He will require approximately three weeks of rehabilitation to recover.” Bayjedul said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
The BCB has indicated it will name a replacement for Saifuddin, subject to approval from the Games authority. No replacement has been announced as of September 22, 2026.
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How did the injury occur and what is the recovery timeline?
Saifuddin was taking part in a routine practice session when he first felt discomfort in his right hamstring while bowling. The injury was subsequently assessed through a physical examination and an MRI scan, both of which confirmed the diagnosis.
“Saifuddin complained of pain in his right hamstring while bowling during the practice session on 19 September. Following a physical examination and MRI, the injury was confirmed,” said Bayjedul.
The recovery period of approximately three weeks means Saifuddin will not be available for any part of the Asian Games 2026, which runs from September 24 to October 3, 2026. The BCB has formally communicated his unavailability to the Bangladesh Olympic Association and is working to secure approval for a replacement from the Games authority.
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What is Saifuddin’s recent playing history and what does his absence mean for Bangladesh?
Saifuddin last represented the Bangladesh national team during their tour to Zimbabwe in July 2026. More recently, he featured in an A series against South Africa, appearing in one unofficial Test and two one-day matches, which had placed him in contention for the Asian Games squad.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play their quarter-final at the Asian Games on September 29, 2026. Saifuddin’s absence leaves Bangladesh with 14 players in their squad pending the confirmation of a replacement. The original squad named for the tournament was, Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud.
