The May 1st deadline for submitting a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup has come and gone, yet Bangladesh remains one of the teams keeping their cards close to their chest. Here's a deeper dive into why the official announcement is still pending:
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has already finalized a shortlist, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is taking its time to ensure the most optimal team composition. This meticulous approach involves:
A 17-member training camp squad was assembled for the ongoing Zimbabwe series. This group served as a testing ground, with players like Mohammad Saifuddin, returning from an 18-month absence, and the uncapped left-hander Tanjid Tamim under close observation.
Their performances against Zimbabwe will heavily influence their final selection.
While the initial 15-member team needs to be submitted by May 1st, the rules allow adjustments until May 25th. This buffer period gives the BCB room to react to unforeseen circumstances like injuries or standout performances that might necessitate a late change.
Experienced batsmen like Mahmudullah Riyad, whose explosive batting in the last ODI World Cup after being dropped silenced his critics, are near-certainties for the final squad. The pace attack is likely to be anchored by the established trio of Shariful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and the ever-reliable Mustafizur Rahman.
Several spots are still up for grabs, with some fierce competition brewing.
The battle for the final pace bowling slot is a close call between Hasan Masood and Tanjim Hasan Shakib. Saifuddin's presence as a pace-bowling all-rounder adds another layer of complexity to the selection process.
With the ever-versatile Shakib Al Hasan already confirmed, the BCB might opt for a two-spinner strategy instead of the usual three.
Sheikh Mehdi and Rishad Hossain are strong contenders, while Tanveer Islam might face the axe if the selectors prioritize a strong batting lineup.
Recovering from a shoulder injury, Sarkar's inclusion hinges on his performance in the remaining Zimbabwe matches. A string of impressive scores could solidify his position as an explosive opening batsman.
