'I was in my towel': Malaysian cricketer Virandeep's Asian Games heartbreak

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian cricketer Virandeep Singh learned of the Asian Games T20 quarter-final being canceled while still in his towel, according to a Facebook post. He expressed disappointment in not being able to play against Bangladesh, a Test nation, after waiting three years. The match was called off due to a wet ground, resulting in Bangladesh advancing to the semi-finals instead.

Team manager K. Yuvaraj was informed at 10am (9am Malaysian time) that the match would not proceed. The Malaysian team had prepared for the match, while Bangladesh had yet to play their first match at the Asian Games. This particular quarter-final held significance for Malaysia, as they faced Bangladesh in the same round at the Hangzhou edition in 2023, narrowly losing by two runs.

However, this time the opportunity was not granted. Bangladesh will face Pakistan in the first semi-final, followed by defending champions India against Sri Lanka in the second semi-final.