No Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, Litton Das left out

by · Inside Sport India

Bangladesh will open their ICC Champions Trophy against India on February 20 in Dubai.

Shakib Al Hasan, who’s under a lot of discussion for his bowling action, has been left out of the Bangladesh cricket team’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In a 15-man squad announced, Najmul Hossain Shanto has been named as the captain. Recently, Shanto stepped down as the T20I captain but has been given the duty of being the 50-over leader.

Litton Das dropped, seniors in the side

Another big omission is that of Litton Das. The extremely talented wicketkeeper batter has been out of form and therefore left out of the squad. Instead, Bangladesh’s designated openers will be Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan.

Veteran batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah have been included in the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy as well. It could very well be the last tournament that the two senior statesmen play for Bangladesh.

Beating Bangladesh, not easy

One mustn’t forget that Bangladesh reached the semifinals of the 2017 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. Placed with New Zealand, Pakistan, and India in Group A, and although form or reputation isn’t on their side, they can upset any of the three on their given day.

They also have great pacers this time around. The express pace of Nahid Rana could prove fatal for the opponents. He’s already done well in Pakistan, albeit in a different format. Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will provide better control.

Bangladesh squad for ICC Champions Trophy

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

Bangladesh’s schedule at ICC Champions Trophy

  • 20 February – Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
  • 24 February – Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
  • 27 February – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi