The Bangladesh Cricket Board put Mushfiqur Rahim back in charge as they announced 15-member squads for both the men’s and women’s edition of the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 to be held in Bangladesh. Mushfiq missed the just-concluded two-match T20 international series against Sri Lanka due to a finger injury but returned as captain for the showcase T20 event,slated for March 16-April 6.
Veteran spinner Abdur Razzak, who also missed the T20 series against the Lankans due to a hamstring injury, made a comeback to the side. Mithun Ali and Arafat Sunny, who both played against Sri Lanka, made their way out of the squad.
The BCB waited till the very last minute to announce the squad on deadline day.
Chief selector Faruk Ahmed placed emphasis on youth as the squad contained the likes of Mominul Haque, Sabbir Rahman, Sohag Gazi, Al Amin Hossain and Anamul Haque. Faruk also gave reasons behind Arafat Sunny’s exclusion.
‘The men’s team is a blend of experience and youth. We have considered the fact that this was a world event and experience was necessary as well as giving opportunity to youngsters like Mominul Haque and Sabbir Rahman, who have the potential to excel in the shortest format,’ Faruk was quoted as saying in a BCB press release on Sunday.
‘Someone like Arafat Sunny, who has impressed everyone and had been performing consistently at domestic level, had to miss out because we needed to have that balance.
‘We have a lot of depth in our bowling. There are three pace bowlers and a seaming all-rounder. However, in
our conditions spin will be the main strength and we are well covered in that area with Sakib al Hasan, Abdur Razzak and Sohag Gazi.
‘I also believe this is an excellent fielding side and that was evident in the recent T20 series against Sri Lanka.’
Meanwhile, Salma Khatun was named captain of the women’s side with Jahanara Alam as her deputy.
Bangladesh men’s team will begin their campaign in the World Twenty20 with match in the qualifying round match against Afghanistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on March 16.
-With New Age input
