The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially named Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain for the upcoming three One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Afghanistan, scheduled to be held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium next week. This announcement follows a discussion between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed on Thursday evening, during which Shanto expressed his hesitation to continue as the all-format captain.
As Shanto steps into the captaincy role for the Afghanistan series, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been appointed as his deputy. Ahmed mentioned in a media briefing that both Miraz and Taskin Ahmed are “front-runners” for future leadership positions within the team.
The BCB has yet to announce the squad for the West Indies tour later this month, where Bangladesh is set to compete in two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
In the ODI squad, 22-year-old fast bowler Nahid Rana stands out as the only uncapped player. Despite having played five Tests with impressive stats—26 wickets at an average of 16.46—this will be his first opportunity to make a mark in the ODIs.
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The selectors have also brought back opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. Zakir has participated in just one ODI last year alongside his 12 Test appearances, while Nasum last featured in an ODI during the World Cup in India last year.
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Notably, the squad will miss several key players, including Shakib Al Hasan, who opted out of the series, and Litton Das, who is recovering from fever that sidelined him during the recent Test match against South Africa. Additionally, Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud were excluded from the squad, with Mahmud ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained in the National Cricket League.
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart for Dubai in two groups on Saturday and Sunday, with the ODIs set for November 6, 9, and 11.
Bangladesh ODI Squad for Afghanistan Series
– Soumya Sarkar
– Tanzid Hasan
– Zakir Hasan
– Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
– Mushfiqur Rahim
– Mahmudullah Riyad
– Towhid Hridoy
– Jaker Ali
– Mehidy Hasan Miraz
– Rishad Hossain
– Nasum Ahmed
– Taskin Ahmed
– Mustafizur Rahman
– Shoriful Islam
– Nahid Rana
