Bangladesh cricket team veteran Shakib al Hasan has been excluded from the squad for the BAN vs AFG ODI series in Sharjah. The all-rounder and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) went back and forth over the past week regarding his participation. However, it has now emerged that Shakib al Hasan decided to pull out of the series voluntarily.
No Shakib al Hasan for BAN vs AFG ODIs
Shakib al Hasan is yet to play a match for Bangladesh since the conclusion of the IND vs BAN Test series. While he announced his plans to retire from the longest format with a farewell Test at home, it did not happen as he refused to participate in the series against South Africa. BCB president Faruque Ahmed had hinted at the all-rounder’s return just before Champions Trophy 2025. It remains to be seen how Shakib’s white-ball future unfolds, given that he had held back his retirement plans until CT 2025.
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Litton Das has also been left out as he is “recovering from a fever”. Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam and Anamul Haque have also been excluded. Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the side despite expressing his unwillingness to while Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the vice-captain.
Shakib al Hasan had earlier expressed hopes of taking part in BAN vs AFG ODIs and had put the onus on the BCB to decide on his participation. He missed the BAN vs SA Test series after failing to return to Bangladesh following the political upheaval and violence. The BCB president said that it was time for Shakib to regroup, adding that the veteran could still continue in ODIs for Bangladesh and that the series against WI might be when he gets to return.
Bangladesh squad for BAN vs AFG ODIs
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana