With the ICC Cricket World Cup not too far, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to announce the 15-member squad of the Tigers who will fight in the biggest cricketing event from May 30 to July 14 this year, reports UNB.
Bangladesh's chief selector Minhazul Abedin Nannu has hinted that they are reluctant to test new faces in the World Cup. However, he did not rule out the chance for one or two new faces to be included in the squad.
In recent comments to the media, BCB president Nazmul Hassan said he does not see any space for new players in the World Cup squad.
Tamim Iqbal is probably the first man to ensure a place in the batting line. Along with him, Liton Das can be the second choice to open the innings with Tamim.
Since his splendid ton in the final of the Asia Cup against India, Liton is considered a long time partner of Tamim. Imrul Kayes can be the one threat to Liton, but he is out of touch after his excellent knocks during the three-match series against Zimbabwe last year. He displayed dismal performance in the last season of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as well. Anamul Haque was another top-order batsman contending for a place in the Bangladesh squad. However, the chief selector has ruled him out in comments to the media.
The middle order will start with Shakib Al Hasan. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudllah will come after him.
These three have been playing a big role for the Tigers for a long time now.
Sabbir Rahman, who recently hit his first ODI ton against New Zealand, is the first choice at number seven, provided Shakib al Hasan bats at number 04. Alternatively, if Shakib moves up to number 03, and assuming Mushfiq and Riyad move up with him, Sabbir, and along with him, Mohammad Mithun will be in the limelight for the number 06 spot.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the captain of the ODI team of the Tigers, is in as a pacer. The attack might also include Rubel Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. As the backup of the attack, the selector might consider Taskin Ahmed who did well in the last season of BPL.
He, however, has been suffering from an injury. Taskin might return to action at the start of April.
