Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain will lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against the UAE, setting aside previous speculations about his future as captain. Najmul had earlier hinted that he was not keen on the role, but after discussions with BCB President Faruque Ahmed, he agreed to take up the responsibility for this series.
While Najmul remains at the helm for the ODIs, the leadership structure in other formats will shift. Mehidy Hasan is expected to captain the Test squad, while either Taskin Ahmed or Towhid Hridoy will lead the T20I side.
In preparation for the series, the ODI squad sees a few changes. Uncapped pacer Nahid Rana has been included, while Litton Kumar Das, recovering from illness, was not considered for selection. Additionally, pacer Tanzim Shakib misses out due to a shoulder injury. Returning to the team are Zakir Hasan and Nasum Ahmed, while regulars like Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud have been omitted. Notably, Shakib Al Hasan will not be part of this series.
Bangladesh ODI Squad:
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan Tamim
- Zakir Hasan
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Mahmudullah Riyad
- Towhid Hridoy
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain)
- Rishad Hossain
- Nasum Ahmed
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Nahid Rana
BCB President Faruque Ahmed also addressed Shakib’s absence. Initially, Shakib was expected to play in the Afghanistan ODIs, but he later expressed that he was not in the right mental and physical condition to take on the demands of international cricket at the moment. Shakib was disappointed after missing what was supposed to be his farewell Test against South Africa in Mirpur, due to security concerns.
Faruque shared Shakib’s perspective: “He felt it wouldn’t be wise for him or the team to play without adequate preparation. Shakib is considering playing in the T10 League in the UAE to regain form. If that goes well, he hopes to make a comeback.”
The Bangladesh team will travel to Dubai in two groups on November 2 and 3. The three ODIs will be held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 6, 9, and 11.