In a strategic move aimed at balancing experience and youth ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh Cricket has announced its ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. The selection decisions include the return of senior players Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, while key stars such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and others have been rested.Â
Recalling the Seniors and Resting Key Stars
The ODI squad for the New Zealand series features the welcomed return of seasoned campaigners Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah. Their experience and leadership qualities are expected to provide valuable support to the team as Bangladesh prepares for the World Cup.
Bangladesh’s selection panel has made the calculated decision to rest several key players, including Mushfiqur Rahim,Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam. This strategic move is in consideration of the upcoming World Cup in India, which is anticipated to be a gruelling and lengthy tournament.Â
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin elaborated on the decision, stating, “The series against New Zealand provides us an opportunity to take a look at some other players as well ahead of this major event. The decision to rest players was taken in consideration of the World Cup in India, where ensuring the mental and physical fitness of the cricketers will be very important.” Â
Leadership Transition
With Shakib Al Hasan’s absence, Litton Das will take on the responsibility of leading the Bangladesh team. Litton Das, who has been a consistent performer for the national side, will be entrusted with guiding the team in Shakib’s stead.
In addition to the rest and recalls, there have been notable changes in the squad composition. Players such as Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Mohammad Naim have been dropped, while Soumya Sarkar and Nurul Hasan find themselves back in contention. The squad also welcomes the uncapped trio of Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Khaled Ahmed.
Minhajul Abedin shed light on the inclusion of these young talents, saying, “The squad is a blend of experience and youth, and only Zakir, Khaled, and Rishad have not featured in ODIs yet. Zakir was very close to playing against Ireland in March before he suffered an unfortunate injury. Khaled has done well in his List A career, and Rishad offers a different dimension to our bowling attack.”
Bangladesh ODI squad against New Zealand: Litton Das (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Syed Khaled Ahmed
