The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, and there are some notable inclusions and exclusions that have captured the attention of cricket fans around the world.
Leading the squad is all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was recently appointed as the captain of the ODI team. Serving as his deputy is Najmul Hossain Shanto. These two players are expected to play crucial roles in guiding the team’s fortunes in the tournament.
One of the most significant talking points surrounding the squad is the absence of veteran batter Tamim Iqbal. Earlier this year, Tamim had stepped down as the captain of the Bangladesh ODI team due to a back injury that ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2023. Despite regaining his fitness in time for the World Cup, he did not find a place in the squad, leaving many fans surprised.
However, the squad does feature other experienced names, including wicketkeeper-batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das, who are expected to provide stability and firepower to the batting lineup.
In the pace department, Ebadot Hossain’s absence is noticeable. Ebadot had suffered a knee injury during the ODI series against Afghanistan in July and subsequently underwent knee surgery on August 30. Nonetheless, Bangladesh’s pace attack remains formidable, with Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman leading the way, supported by Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Tanzim Hasan.
The team’s strength continues to be its spin bowling. Bangladesh boasts a talented group of finger spinners, including Shakib, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, and Mahedi Hasan. Notably, several of these spinners are also accomplished all-rounders, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
The team’s preparations for the World Cup will include two warm-up fixtures, facing Sri Lanka and England in Guwahati. Their World Cup campaign officially begins on October 7 when they take on Afghanistan in Dharamsala.
Bangladesh World Cup squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (C), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (VC), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib