Rishad Hossain Down with Fever, Doubtful for First ODI

Bangladesh will be without key leg-spinner and all-rounder Rishad Hossain in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, as the youngster has fallen ill just ahead of the series opener. He has been sidelined due to fever and is currently resting at the team hotel in Colombo, missing the final pre-match training session.

The intense heat in Colombo is believed to have triggered the fever. A reliable source within the Bangladesh team has confirmed Rishad's condition to Cricket97, stating that he was unable to join the squad for their floodlit practice session at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

If his health does not improve by match day, Rishad is set to miss the first ODI—a notable setback for Bangladesh as they kick off their return to ODI cricket after the ICC Champions Trophy qualifiers. The team enters the series with a familiar format and opposition, but under new leadership.

The absence of Rishad, one of Bangladesh’s most promising all-rounders, will force the team to rethink their bowling combinations, particularly in the spin department.

Bangladesh ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Zakir Ali Anik, Shamim Patwari, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.