Injured Mustafizur out of Asia Cup, replaced by Tamim

Dhaka, March 1 (IANS) Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the Asia Cup with an injury.

Left-handed opener Tamim Iqbal has returned to the fold as the 20-year-old's replacement for the rest of the tournament, reports bdnews24.com.

The youngster played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's 23-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Mustafizur, however, felt a side strain during the match. As the pain grew, he had to undergo an MRI scan on Monday.

Keeping the World Twenty20 in India next month in sight, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is unwilling to take any risks with Mustafizur.

"The (MRI) report mentioned an injury on his right. He will take rest for the next 48 hours. The rehabilitation process will commence after that. We are hoping he will soon get well and start bowling," Bangladesh team physio Bayezid Islam Khan said.

Earlier, Tamim had opted out of the Asia Cup to be by his pregnant wife. On Sunday, their first child was born in Thailand. Tamim then returned to the country and resumed training on Monday.

Bangladesh have felt the absence of their regular opener in the first three matches. His return will bolster the team's morale.

The hosts played with four pacers in those matches. Another young left-arm seamer Abu Haider Rony is on stand-by if Bangladesh opt for four pacers in Mustafizur's absence.