Bangladesh Announces Squad for ODI Series Against Pakistan Following T20 World Cup Withdrawal
Bangladesh Announces Squad for ODI Series Against Pakistan Following T20 World Cup Withdrawal
Bangladesh Cricket Board on Friday announced the national squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to be played in Dhaka starting March 11. This series represents Bangladesh's return to international cricket after their controversial withdrawal from the T20 World Cup, amid ongoing turmoil in the nation's cricket administration.
The matches are scheduled at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium: the first on March 11, the second on March 13, and the third on March 15. This will be Bangladesh's first home ODI series since their 2-1 victory over West Indies in Mirpur last October.
Key Squad Inclusions and Exclusions
The squad features notable comebacks, including Afif Hossain, who last played an ODI in December 2024, and Litton Das, despite his recent struggles in the format. Young wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained from the West Indies series. However, several players were omitted: Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, and Shamim Hossain. Fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib are sidelined due to injuries—a tennis elbow for Mahmud and a back issue for Sakib—but both are expected to recover by month's end.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the side as captain, with a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
Selection Insights from Officials
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh selection panel, provided rationale for the picks. Addressing concerns over Litton Das's form, he stated, "There may be questions about Litton Das's recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game. We believe he can soon produce his best in this format and are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order."
On Afif Hossain's inclusion, Ashraf added, "(Afif) brings valuable experience and is currently appears to be in fine touch." Highlighting Mahidul Islam, he noted, "Mahidul Islam has been retained and this is a good opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown."
The Full Squad
Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
Series Schedule
- March 11: 1st ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- March 13: 2nd ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- March 15: 3rd ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
This series is crucial for Bangladesh to regain momentum and stability following recent upheavals in their cricket setup.