Fariha Trisna ruled out of Asia Cup, Farjana Easmin joins Bangladesh squad

A Major Blow for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket

The Bangladesh women’s national cricket team has hit a stumbling block just as they prepare to embark on their campaign for the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup and the upcoming Asian Games. The squad, which has been building momentum over the past year, will now have to navigate these challenging tournaments without the services of one of their most reliable bowling assets.

The official announcement confirmed that left-arm pacer Fariha Islam Trisna has been ruled out of both major tournaments due to a persistent thigh injury. This development comes as a blow to the team’s strategic plans, as Trisna has been a cornerstone of the Bangladesh bowling attack for several years, providing vital breakthroughs and economical spells.

The Extent of the Injury

Trisna, aged 23, reportedly felt discomfort leading to medical intervention. Following an MRI scan, medical professionals diagnosed a Grade II tear in her right thigh. Such injuries require a disciplined recovery period, with team doctors estimating that she will need between four to six weeks to return to full fitness. Given the proximity of the tournament schedule, there was simply no window for her to recover in time to contribute effectively on the field.

Having been a regular fixture in the side and a key participant in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, her absence leaves a void that the leadership group will need to fill strategically. The team management expressed their disappointment but emphasized that the priority remains the player’s long-term health and rehabilitation.

Introducing Farjana Easmin: A New Opportunity

In response to the vacancy, the selectors have opted for youth and raw potential by calling up 17-year-old Farjana Easmin. A right-arm pacer, Farjana is currently uncapped at the senior international level, making this a massive milestone in her budding career. While she has yet to make her debut in the senior colors, her credentials were established during her participation in the 2025 Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup, where she displayed promising talent and temperament.

The move to include a teenager in such high-stakes tournaments speaks volumes about the confidence the coaching staff has in the depth of their talent pool. For Farjana, this is a golden opportunity to learn under the guidance of seasoned campaigners and prove her worth on the international stage.

Tournament Outlook and Schedule

The Bangladesh squad is set to depart for Dubai this Wednesday afternoon, carrying the hopes of a nation. The Asia Cup campaign is set to be a test of endurance and skill. Their opening match is scheduled for August 31 against Indonesia in Dubai. Following this opener, the team will face off against Sri Lanka on September 6 and the United Arab Emirates on September 8.

Once the Asia Cup concludes in Dubai, the team will transition immediately to the next phase of their schedule, traveling to Japan to participate in the Asian Games. It is a grueling stretch of cricket that will test the squad’s physical and mental resilience.

The Full Squad

Despite the change in personnel, the leadership remains stable under the captaincy of Nigar Sultana Joty, with Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain. The full squad for the Asia Cup and Asian Games is as follows:

• Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain)
• Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain)
• Dilara Akter
• Juairiya Ferdous
• Sharmin Akter Supta
• Sharmin Sultana
• Sobhana Mostary
• Shorna Akter
• Ritu Moni
• Fahima Khatun
• Rabeya Khan
• Marufa Akter
• Sultana Khatun
• Sanjida Akther Maghla
• Farjana Easmin

As the team prepares to face the challenges ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how the young Farjana Easmin integrates into the side and whether the team can overcome the loss of their experienced left-arm pacer to secure silverware in the coming months.