Bangladesh Women have been handed a significant setback ahead of a busy stretch of international cricket, with left-arm pacer Fariha Islam Trishna ruled out of both the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai and the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Trishna will miss the two tournaments after suffering a Grade II tear in her right thigh.

The injury is expected to keep the pacer out of action for approximately four to six weeks, leaving Bangladesh without one of their most effective new-ball options at a crucial stage of the season.

Fariha Islam Trishna’s absence leaves a big gap

Trishna has developed into an important component of Bangladesh’s bowling attack, particularly with the new ball. Her left-arm angle offers a different challenge to opposition batters, while her ability to generate movement early in an innings has made her a valuable wicket-taking option. Her absence will therefore force Bangladesh to rethink their bowling combinations for two major competitions. The Asia Cup, in particular, will provide a demanding test against some of the strongest teams in women’s cricket, making the loss of an experienced pace option even more significant.

For captain Nigar Sultana Joty and the rest of the Bangladesh squad, the challenge will now be to adapt quickly and ensure Trishna’s absence does not disrupt their preparations.

Teenage seamer Farjana Easmin gets the call

The selectors have responded to the setback by turning to youth, naming 17-year-old right-arm seamer Farjana Easmin as Trishna’s replacement for both tournaments. Easmin is yet to make her senior international debut, meaning her promotion represents a major step forward in her young career. However, the teenager has reportedly earned plenty of praise at the domestic level for her bowling control and ability to mix up her pace.

Being thrust into an international tournament at such a young age will undoubtedly be a challenging assignment, but it also gives Easmin an opportunity to make an immediate impression on the biggest stage.

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Bangladesh prepare for demanding schedule

With Trishna unavailable, Bangladesh will rely on the likes of Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan and Sultana Khatun to shoulder greater responsibility with the ball. The Tigresses will enter the Asia Cup and Asian Games with ambitions of competing strongly, and the squad’s depth will be tested by Trishna’s absence. The inclusion of Easmin, meanwhile, adds an element of excitement as Bangladesh look to develop their next generation of fast bowlers. Led by Nigar, Bangladesh’s updated squad now combines experienced campaigners with emerging talent as they prepare for two important assignments.

Bangladesh squad for Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games 2026 (Updated): Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Farjana Easmin

Also READ: Najiha Alvi ruled out of Women’s Asia Cup 2026 for Pakistan; replacement announced

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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