Amid all the concerns regarding injuries and cricketers form, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selectors have chosen a 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, with some notable inclusions and exclusions. The announcement, made on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, revealed that all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin wouldn't be featuring in the marquee tournament.
Conversely, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who had injury concerns after missing the final T20I against Zimbabwe, has not only secured a spot in the squad but has also been appointed as the vice-captain, dispelling any doubts about his participation.
Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to captain the squad, which includes the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib has been a consistent presence, having participated in every T20 World Cup starting with the first one in 2007.
Taskin Ahmed was sidelined due to an injury sustained prior to the fifth T20I against Zimbabwe on May 12, causing him to miss the game. Despite this setback, his impressive performance of claiming eight wickets across four matches earned him the Player of the Series accolade.
Taskin's absence in the final Zimbabwe T20I had sparked anxieties amongst fans regarding his World Cup selection. However, the selectors have exhibited faith in the young pacer, not just by including him in the squad but also by elevating him to the crucial position of vice-captain, signifying his leadership potential alongside skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Saifuddin's exclusion, on the other hand, comes as a bit of a surprise considering his recent return to the national team in the Zimbabwe series. Unfortunately, his performance in that series failed to meet expectations. His bowling figures, conceding over nine runs per over, were deemed underwhelming by the selectors, ultimately leading to his omission from the World Cup squad.
The Bangladeshi Tigers, as they are affectionately known, will be departing for the United States on Wednesday. Before diving headfirst into the T20 World Cup, they will be sharpening their claws in a three-match T20 series against the USA, commencing on the 21st of May. This preparatory series will be a valuable opportunity for the team to refine their strategies and build momentum ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup.
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed (vc), Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahan, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Sakib.
