Bangladesh has officially announced its 15-member squad for the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The newly-appointed captain, Shakib Al Hasan, will continue to lead the side, and there is a significant elevation in vice-captaincy. However, the standout news revolves around the exclusion of Tamim Iqbal, a seasoned cricketer who had reversed his ODI retirement earlier in the year.
Tamim Iqbal’s Surprising Omission
Tamim Iqbal, who had previously declared his decision to step down as the captain of the Bangladesh ODI team due to a back injury that ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2023, has regained his fitness ahead of the World Cup. However, to the surprise of many, he is no longer a part of the squad for the prestigious tournament.
Adding to Bangladesh’s challenges, pacer Ebadot Hossain has failed to recover in time for the World Cup. His knee injury, sustained during the ODI series against Afghanistan in July, led to a knee surgery on 30th August, preventing his participation in the tournament.
Strong Batting Lineup, Potent Pace Attack and Spin Prowess
Despite Tamim’s absence, Bangladesh’s batting lineup boasts experience with the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton, and Shakib. The team’s forte remains its spin department, featuring an exceptional set of finger spinners, including Shakib, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, and Mahedi Hasan.
Notably, several of these spinners are also proficient all-rounders, with Shakib and Mehidy showcasing their batting prowess. Nasum Ahmed, in particular, exhibited his talent with the bat in the recent Asia Cup.
Despite the loss of Ebadot Hossain, Bangladesh’s pace bowling arsenal still possesses the skill to trouble opposition batsmen. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman lead the way, supported by Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Tanzim Hasan. The team will engage in two World Cup warm-up fixtures in Guwahati, facing Sri Lanka and England, respectively, before commencing their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan at Dharamsala on 7th October.
Bangladesh Squad for the World Cup:
Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), 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
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
