In the latest squad announcement for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Cricket selectors made significant changes, notably omitting Shakib Al Hasan from the ODI and T20I squads due to an eye condition. Shakib recently expressed concerns about his batting performance and shuffled his batting position for Rangpur Riders in a BPL game.
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin, concluding his eight-year tenure, revealed the squads, opting for six changes. Vice-captain of the T20I side, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Rony Talukdar were excluded. Instead, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Naim, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed were brought back, and mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam earned his maiden national call-up.
Mahmudullah returned to the T20I side after a year, having displayed impressive form in the BPL. Meanwhile, Taijul Islam and Taskin Ahmed made their way back into the T20I squad. Notable omissions included Rakibul Hasan, Afif Hossain, and Hasan Mahmud.
The T20I squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, features Litton Das, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Naim, Tawhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, and Aliss Al Islam. Six new inclusions and six exclusions mark a significant shake-up.
In the ODI squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, and Taskin Ahmed returned, while Rakibul Hasan, Afif Hossain, and Hasan Mahmud found themselves out. The ODI squad also includes Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman.
The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka series will feature three T20Is in Sylhet on March 4, 6, and 9, followed by three ODIs in Chattogram on March 13, 15, and 18. The squad adjustments suggest a strategic approach, focusing on form and balance ahead of the crucial series against Sri Lanka.
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