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For the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled their 15-member squad on Saturday. The squad announcement brings back prominent cricketers Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, while also seeing a change in leadership.
Prominent returns
Tamim, who last graced the pitch in July against Afghanistan, makes his return after being sidelined due to a back injury. Similarly, Mahmudullah, absent from the ODI fold since the home series against England in March, has also made his way back into the squad.
Leadership shuffle
Regular skipper Shakib Al Hasan will sit out the series to ensure his well-being for the impending ODI World Cup in India. In his absence, Litton Das will take the reins as the captain, leading the team against New Zealand.
Notable omissions
The selection process saw the omission of several players who were part of the squad during the Asia Cup, including Mohammad Naim, Afif Hossain, and Shamim Hossain. However, Soumya Sarkar and Nurul Hasan Sohan have earned their places back in the squad.
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A Blend of experience and youth
In a bid to balance experience with youth, the selectors have named three uncapped players in the squad – Zakir Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain. Zakir came close to playing against Ireland in March before an unfortunate injury, while Khaled has showcased his skills in his List A career. Rishad offers a different dimension to the team’s bowling attack.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin explained that the decision to rest players for the New Zealand series is primarily aimed at preserving their mental and physical fitness ahead of the demanding World Cup in India, while also providing an opportunity to assess and nurture emerging talent in preparation for the major event.
“The decision to rest players was taken in consideration of the World Cup in India, which will be a long tournament where ensuring the mental and physical fitness of the cricketers will be very important. The series against New Zealand provides us an opportunity to take a look at some other players as well ahead of this major event,” said Abedin in an official statement.
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Bangladesh’s squad for New Zealand ODIs:
Liton Das (c), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
