Najmul Hossain Shanto has been appointed as the full-time captain of the Bangladesh cricket team until the culmination of 2024. His leadership tenure kicks off with the forthcoming limited-overs series versus Sri Lanka scheduled for next month.
The upcoming series against Sri Lanka promises to be a thrilling contest, with Bangladesh gearing up to host six limited-overs matches on home soil. Shanto will lead a formidable squad, with the team roster already announced for the first three T20Is and the initial two ODIs of the series.
The selectors have carefully curated a blend of youth and experience, aiming to maintain a balance that can deliver optimal results against a competitive Sri Lankan side.
However, the absence of seasoned campaigner Shakib Al Hasan due to ongoing recovery from a retinal issue discovered last month poses a significant challenge for the Bangladeshi team.
Shakib’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, considering his invaluable contributions both with the bat and ball, along with his astute cricketing acumen. Nevertheless, the team management remains optimistic about the squad’s depth and capabilities to fill the void left by Shakib’s absence.
Another notable omission from the squads is Tamim Iqbal, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced campaigners. Tamim’s exclusion from both the squads comes in the wake of his absence from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s central contract list for 2024. While his absence is a setback, it provides an opportunity for younger talents to step up and make their mark on the international stage.
On a positive note, the inclusion of promising talents like Shoriful Islam bodes well for Bangladesh’s prospects in the series. Shoriful, who recently secured an all-format contract for the year, has been impressive with his performances and is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the team’s bowling attack.
Additionally, several players who showcased their skills during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 have retained their positions in the squad, underscoring the selectors’ faith in their abilities.
Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of uncapped off-spinner Aliss Al Islam in the T20I squad. Aliss’s selection reflects the selectors’ willingness to invest in young talent and provide them with opportunities at the highest level. His debut in the series will not only be a memorable moment for him but also a testament to the talent pool that Bangladesh possesses.
As fans eagerly await the commencement of the series, the schedule for the matches has been confirmed, with the first T20I set to take place on March 4 in Sylhet.
The series will then move to Chattogram for the ODIs, with the first match scheduled for March 13. The series promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in the limited-overs format.
Key Fixtures
1st T20I – March 4 – Sylhet
2nd T20I – March 6 – Sylhet
3rd T20I – March 9 – Sylhet
1st ODI – March 13 – Chattogram
2nd ODI – March 15 – Chattogram
3rd ODI – March 18 – Chattogram
Bangladesh T20I Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Md Naim Sheikh, Tawhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Aliss Al Islam
Bangladesh ODI Squad (First Two Matches):
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Anamul Haque Bijoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Litton Kumer Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman
