Bangladesh announce 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2021

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2021, which is scheduled to start on October 17. There were not any surprise exclusions or picks for the squad as the players has been picked from the squad that's playing against New Zealand.

Tamim Iqbal would have been in contention to play the World Cup but the experienced opener requested the board not to include him in the squad. Having missed out on several T20I matches, Iqbal, who is Bangladesh’s ODI skipper, expressed that it would be unfair on players who have been playing in the lead up to the tournament if he makes himself available. 

Rubel Hossain, who is an experienced bowler for Bangladesh was not named in the first 15, but he will travel with the team as a reserve. Aminul Islam Biplob, who is the only prominent leg-spinner in the Bangladesh set-up was named the second reserve player. 

Bangladesh have selected four pacers in their attack, i.e, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin and Shoriful Islam. The team also has spin options in Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and captain Mahmudullah. Among wicketkeepers, apart from Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan has also been selected. 

Soumya Sarkar, who has been under scrutiny because of lack of form has also been included in the squad. Mohammad Naim is another player who, having impressed selectors, has received a call-up. Bangladesh will open their campaign against Scotland on October 17 in Oman in the qualifying round.

Bangladesh squad: Mahmudullah Riyad (captain), Liton Das, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed 

Reserve: Rubel Hossain, Aminul Islam Biplob