Bangladesh national cricket team will play two practice matches in their preparation for their month-long tour to West Indies, said chief selector Faruk Ahmed on Saturday. The Tigers will leave for the West Indies on August 13 to play three one-day internationals, two Test matches and a Twenty20 international beginning on August 20. ‘We will play two practice matches on August 6 and 9,’ Faruk told reporters at the indoor stadium at Mirpur.
Faruk added that it would be difficult to get a replacement for all-rounder Sakib al Hasan but expected that whoever gets the opportunity will try to utilise the chance.
‘It is difficult to get a replacement for Sakib as he contributed so much to the team both with the bat and the ball,’ said Faruk.
‘I hope the newcomers will grab the chance. There is a possibility of Arafat Sunny or Taizul Islam as both of them bowl left-arm spin,’ he added.
The chief selector’s effectively ended any hopes for Sakib to get back into the side for the West Indies tour. The all-rounder is currently serving a six-month ban. Sakib is expected to appeal to the Bangladesh Cricket Board today to reconsider the decision taken against him that also barred him from playing in any Twenty20 tournament at home and abroad.
-With New Age input
