The Bangladesh cricket team embarked on its journey to Sri Lanka on Sunday noon to participate in this year’s Asia Cup, including matches set to be hosted in Pakistan as well.

However, the right-handed top-order batter, Liton Das, was notably absent from the flight to Sri Lanka due to a fever he has been battling for the past two days.

The medical wing of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Liton will rejoin the team upon recovery. They also assured that Liton has undergone tests that ruled out concerns of dengue or any other severe illness.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib is also making the trip to Sri Lanka solo, as he was later included in the team lineup and his flight arrangements were secured subsequently. He was included after Ebadot Hossain was ruled out due to a leg injury.

Before departing for Sri Lanka, Taskin Ahmed, the right-arm pacer, shared his aspirations with the media, expressing his belief in Bangladesh’s triumph in the Asia Cup this year.

“Our primary aim is to secure a berth in this year’s Asia Cup final,” Taskin conveyed. “Reaching the final would be a significant achievement. Team success always takes precedence.”

Taskin also emphasized that clinching the Asia Cup is within the realm of possibility.

“By playing better cricket, we can contend for the championship. With the World Cup on the horizon, performing at our best is the key to success,” Taskin elaborated.

Bangladesh’s opening match in the Asia Cup is scheduled for August 31st against Sri Lanka. Subsequently, the team will travel to Pakistan for a match against Afghanistan.

Within a three-day span, they will traverse two countries to participate in two 50-over matches. Bangladesh’s head coach expressed some concerns about this intensive travel schedule.

Shakib Al Hasan will lead the team in this edition of the Asia Cup, having been appointed captain after Tamim Iqbal recently stepped down due to fitness uncertainties.

Both Shakib and the head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, conveyed optimism about achieving positive results in the Asia Cup.

Bangladesh squad for the Asia Cup: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib