Bangladesh have enjoyed many successes in the recent past, but once they return to training under lights today after a long break, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will have to think of ways to overcome the upcoming challenges. PHOTO: star FILE
With just a week remaining to the start of the ICC World Cup, Bangladesh remain one of only two teams yet to name their squad, even as the team is set to depart for India tomorrow.
With most teams having announced their 15-member squads long before the final cut-off date (September 27), Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are still making last-minute calculations over the contingent for the month-and-a-half long event. While Sri Lanka’s delay is purely due to injuries and recovery to key players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Bangladesh are apparently still unsure over team combination, thanks to a lack of form to a number of players as well as debate over whether the team should rely on experience rather than adding young blood.
A source inside the BCB, on condition of anonymity, said the team might be announced during the innings break of the third ODI against New Zealand today.
It is believed that the team will feature five seamers — including Tanzim Hasan Sakib — alongside four spinners, two of whom are all-rounders and two wicketkeeper-batters. Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad is all set to be in the squad, which will leave spots for only two specialist openers in Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das, while all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz is being considered as an option for a backup opening batter, thereby leaving no place for young Tanzid Hasan Tamim or anyone else in that position.
However, the developments on Sunday has left the BCB in more quandary, with former Tamim Iqbal reportedly claiming to the team management that he might not be fit enough to play all nine matches in India.
That revelation apparently took the team management by surprise, with BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon calling for a late night meeting with captain Shakib Al Hasan and coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who only returned from Australia last night.Â
The outcome of the meeting could not be ascertained as neither of the three spoke to media, so it remains to be seen whether Tamim’s latest disclosure prompts any changes to the team selection or not.
Whether or not the already-chosen 15 remain the same, the Tamim Issue will certainly unsettle the team, which is already struggling for form and confidence.
