Bangladesh rubbish reports linking bowler Al-Amin Hossain to illegal betting

Bangladesh have insisted there is no truth in the stories claiming Al-Amin Hossain was sent home because of illegal gambling.

A statement released on Sunday by the team management had said Hossain had been disciplined for breaking curfew rules ahead of their washed-out match against Australia in Brisbane last weekend.

But the Dhaka-based English language New Age newspaper and other media claimed the 25-year-old had been under observation by the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) for some time.

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)'s head of media insisted Hossain was being dealt with for staying out late at night and it had nothing to do with corruption.

Jalal Yunus said: "The ACSU has told us they have nothing against Hossain, but we took action because we have a no-tolerance policy for not obeying team orders.

"There is no truth in reports that he was sent home because of alleged links with bookies."

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Bangladesh's bowling coach Heath Streak insisted Hossain will not be missed because his replacement Shafiul Islam was an "experienced campaigner."

"We are obviously disappointed and sad to see a fellow team-mate go, but it won't affect us too much," the former Zimbabwe fast bowler and captain said.

"Shafiul coming in is good because he is a very experienced campaigner and has been part of the dressing room for a long time."

Teams can usually only bring in replacements at a World Cup for injured players, but the ICC said Bangladesh's request to call up Shafiul had been approved as an "exceptional circumstance".

Bangladesh, who beat Afghanistan in their Pool A opener, continue their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Melbourne on Thursday.