Bangladesh suffered a huge blow ahead of the start of the Asia Cup as star wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das was ruled out of the tournament because of illness.

After it became clear that Litton would take time to recover from his viral fever, the Bangladesh Cricket Board picked Anamul Haque Bijoy as his replacement.

"Bangladesh opening batsman Litton Kumer Das, who could not travel to Sri Lanka with the Asia Cup squad due to viral fever, has been ruled out of the tournament as he has not recovered from the illness," BCB said in a statement.

"The National Selection Panel of BCB has named 30-year-old fellow right-hander Anamul Haque Bijoy as Litton's replacement."

Haque, who scored 1254 runs in 44 ODIs, last played in the 50-overs format against India in December last year. He will join the team on Wednesday.

Bangladesh take on Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup opening match in Kandy, on Thursday.

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