Bangladesh Cricket Board Announces Squad for Bilateral Series
In a significant move, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has brought back veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah to the national T20I squad for the upcoming bilateral series against Sri Lanka. This marks Mahmudullah’s return to the T20I set-up since 2022, with his last appearance dating back to the Asia Cup in Dubai.
The Comeback Story
Mahmudullah, aged 38, has been on the sidelines for the past one and a half years but earned his spot through outstanding performances in the recently concluded ICC World Cup in India and the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. His scintillating form compelled the selectors to reintegrate him into the squad for the T20Is.
Absence of Shakib Al Hasan
However, the former captain and veteran Shakib Al Hasan will be absent from both the T20Is and the initial two ODIs of the three-match series due to an eye problem.
Unveiling Uncapped Talent
Adding an element of excitement, the 15-member T20I squad includes the uncapped mystery off-spinner Aliss Al Islam. Alongside Mahmudullah, the squad features the return of openers Mohammad Naim and Anamul Haque, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, and pacer Taskin Ahmed.
Squad Changes
Notably, players such as Rony Talukdar, Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who were part of the last T20I squad against New Zealand, did not make the cut this time.
Schedule Overview
The three T20Is are scheduled to take place in Sylhet on 4, 6, and 9 March, followed by an ODI series on 13, 15, and 18 March. This limited-over series precedes a two-match Test series, a part of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first Test is set to kick off in Sylhet on 22-26 March, followed by the second Test in Chattogram from March 30 to April 3.
Squad Lineup
T20I Squad:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Litton Das
- Anamul Haque Bijoy
- Mohammad Naim
- Towhid Hridoy
- Soumya Sarkar
- Mahedi Hasan
- Mahmudullah
- Taijul Islam
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Aliss Al Islam
ODI Squad (for opening two ODIs):
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Anamul Haque Bijoy
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Litton Das
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hassan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Mustafizur Rahman
For more information, visit CricAdvisor. The player’s dialogue remains unchanged, echoing the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding the return of Mahmudullah and the inclusion of promising talents like Aliss Al Islam.
