Asia Cup 2016: Star Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman out with side strain, Tamim Iqbal called up

New Delhi: Hosts Bangladesh suffered a major blow in the form of their premier bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was ruled out of the on-going Asia Cup due to injury on Monday.

Rahman picked a grade I side strain sustained during the match against Sri Lanka on Sunday, which forced him to miss the rest of the tourney.

Bangladsh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the news via press release, which says - "Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman has suffered a side strain and will not play any further part in the Micromax Asia Cup T20," a BCB release stated.

Interestingly, opener Tamim Iqbal, who took leave because of the birth of his first child, will replace Rahman in the Asia Cup.

According to PTI, the injury of Rahman can also make him a doubtful starter for Bangladesh's World T20 qualifying round matches against the Netherlands and the Ireland in Dharamsala.

"Mustafiz complained of discomfort after Sunday's match against Sri Lanka. An MRI scan was done today and the report from the radiologist confirmed a Grade-1 side strain on the right. He is under conservative treatment and rest for next 48 hours. Following that the rehab will begin. We are expecting that he will make a quick recovery and resume bowling soon," Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan was quoted as saying by PTI.