BCB announces Bangladesh T20I squad for Afghanistan series

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-man squad for their three-match Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan in Dehradun, India. The matches will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on June 3, 5 and 7 respectively. The series is also the first ever bilateral T20 series between the two nations. Previously, Akram Khan, the BCB chairman had mentioned that they will field a full-strength team.

Three exclusions and a new inclusion

Shakib Al Hasan was appointed as the skipper of the side. During their last assignment, he was suffering from a finger injury and didn’t take part in the first leg of the Nidahas Trophy. However, he played the last few matches and is currently with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League. Mosaddek Hossain, the right-handed batsman is the new inclusion in the squad that played the last series.

Imrul Kayes, Taskin Ahmed and Nurul Hasan have been omitted from the team. All-rounder, Mahmudullah and wicketkeeper-batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim are the most experienced players in the lineup. Rubel Hossain, who was taken apart by Dinesh Karthik in the Nidhas Trophy final, also found a place in the team. A lot will rest on Tamim Iqbal’s shoulders and his performance will be key to Bangladesh’s chances in the series.

Mustafizur Rahman, who is with the Mumbai Indians (MI), is also expected to be a pivotal component. The board also had doubts about Soumya Sarkar’s position in the team, but Shakib and Courtney Walsh’s suggestions ensured that he retains his position in the squad.

“We also had a question about Soumya but the captain and coach thought that it would be better to add him,” Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector mentioned.

Here is the squad:

Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed

[interaction id=”5b0121a381387e8285526f52″]

For all the latest cricket news and other updates follow CricTracker.