Bangladesh have unveiled their 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match one-day international series against New Zealand.
The squad, led by opening batsman Liton Das, notably excludes key players such as regular captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam.
Additionally, Naim Sheikh, Afif Hossain, and Shamim Hossain, who featured in the Asia Cup, had been left out.
Returning to the squad are senior campaigners Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad, alongside Soumya Sarkar and Nurul Hasan Sohan. Tamim, who reversed his retirement decision in July, is set to play his first game since then. Mahmudullah's last ODI was against England in March.
Newcomers Zakir Hasan, Syed Khaled Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain had also earned their spots in the squad. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin explained that the decision to rest players was made with an eye on the upcoming World Cup in India, prioritising the mental and physical fitness of the cricketers.
Abedin expressed confidence in Zakir Hasan, highlighting his near inclusion in the squad earlier in March before an unfortunate injury. He also praised Khaled's performance in his list A career and emphasised Rishad's unique dimension to the bowling attack.
New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka for the series, commencing on September 21 at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The second and third ODIs will follow on September 23 and 26, respectively.
Both teams see this series as crucial preparation before the World Cup in India, which begins on October 5. Bangladesh aims to replicate their past success against New Zealand, having won previous ODI home series 4-0 in 2010 and 3-0 in 2013.
After the World Cup, New Zealand will engage in two Test matches against Bangladesh, concluding on November 19.
BANGLADESH SQUAD
- Captain: Liton Das
- Players: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Khaled Ahmed
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