Rana ruled out of Asian Games, eyes October return

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana will not feature at the Asian Games in Japan, with selectors opting against rushing his recovery from a side strain. Rana missed the recent two‑Test series against Australia and only returned to bowling on Monday after a six‑week layoff, working in the nets at the BCB Academy. The injury, sustained during the Zimbabwe tour, kept him out of competitive action throughout August.

Despite his progress, chief selector Habibul Bashar told press that the board will not take any risks and has ruled him out of September’s Games. Rana will instead continue his rehabilitation with the aim of returning for the Afghanistan series in October. Bashar said the format of his comeback remains undecided but confirmed he is “100%” out of the Asian Games. The young quick remains one of Bangladesh’s brightest pace talents, and the board hopes a cautious approach will ensure a full recovery.