This will be the first time in 18 years that Bangladesh will play in an ICC event without both Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan
Tamim had a chance to rewrite the ending by taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy, starting next month, but eventually chose not to.
The selectors had approached Tamim during the ongoing Sylhet phase of the Bangladesh Premier League, presenting the 35-year-old with an opportunity to rejoin the squad. While the southpaw listened to their proposition and mulled over his prospects, he ultimately decided against making a comeback.
With the Champions Trophy squad submission deadline looming on January 12, the decision to reintroduce a player to a national team plagued by batting consistency raises eyebrows.
Former BCB director Khaled Mahmud Sujon came down heavily on the pair of Faruque Ahmed and Nazmul Abedeen over perceived 'greed' related to cricket operations department. Faruque, as the BCB president is currently heading the department as no standing committees are yet to be announced with only few board directors available.
The decision-making process, in particular, as well as the outcomes, often relating to simple issues, are commonly shrouded in mystery, most of it done unnecessarily.
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed hoped that players will get their money from the franchises in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.
In previous years, star cricketers like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, and Imran Tahir, who are generally seen ruling the franchise tournaments across the world, featured for different BPL franchises but this year, none of these players will be playing in the country’s sole franchise-based T20 tournament.
In opening day’s fixtures, reigning champions Fortune Barishal will take on newcomers Durbar Rajshahi at 01:30pm while Rangpur Riders will face Dhaka Capitals in the second match at 06:30pm.
"The Asia Cup squad has a few injury concerns and the team management felt the need for an additional player going into the Super Four," chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu said.
With Bangladesh getting twin centuries, from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, only for the fifth time in ODIs, the crucial role that the Tigers' bowling unit played to beat Afghanistan by 89 runs went under the radar in Lahore on Sunday.
Bangladesh opener and ODI vice-captain Liton Das departed for Pakistan yesterday but it remains unclear whether Liton would be part of the playing eleven against Pakistan in Lahore on Wednesday in the first Super Four game of the ongoing Asia Cup.
Bangladesh are expected to face a stiffer challenge in their do-or-die Asia Cup match against Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today.
If the hum of anxiety in and around the team can be muted out, the Tigers' strength can come to the forefront of the performances.
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha acknowledged the arduous challenge of facing the Afghanistan bowling attack but pointed out that the familiarity of facing the Afghans in recent encounters will help the Tigers' cause.
A big call was made yesterday when Anamul Haque Bijoy was included in Bangladesh's Asia Cup squad as a replacement for Liton Das, who was suffering from a fever that saw him miss the Sri Lanka-bound flight on August 27 with the rest of the Tigers' contingent.
Bangladesh have made the Asia Cup final three times but are still searching for their first trophy. Can Shakib Al Hasan’s side put an end to their trophy hunt? The wait continues but before that let’s take a look at Bangladesh’s strengths, weaknesses, and chances of winning. The Tigers begin their Asia Cup mission with an encounter against Sri Lanka. Can the Tigers trump the Lankans in their opening fixture? To discuss all of this and much more, The Daily Star brings you Star Non-Striker’s End.
Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain left for the United Kingdom yesterday to consult a doctor after the pacer was ruled out of the Tigers’ Asia Cup squad due to a knee injury.
Three Bangladeshi cricketers enlisted their names on the 13th edition of the Big Bash T20 League players draft, with the league scheduled to begin on December 7.
