• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 04/29/2024
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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, which features some unexpected exclusions. All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman will not be part of the team for the first three matches of the series, which will commence on May 3 in Chattogram.

Shakib’s Absence Explained

🚨 BREAKING: Bangladesh announced their squad for the first 3 T20Is. Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are not included in the squad, while Mohammad Saifuddin makes a comeback after a long injury. pic.twitter.com/LNdXdsrjjV

— Syed Sami (@oddsami) April 28, 2024

Shakib’s absence from the squad is linked to his desire to participate in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) as he recovers from an eye injury. This move aims to help him regain form and match fitness before the series. BCB selection panel member Hannan Sarkar stated, “Shakib is expected to come on April 30, and he desired to play two DPL games. We felt it could be good, as in T20 format, you don’t get time to prepare in the middle, and he can have that time”.

As for Mustafizur Rahman, the pacer will be given time off to recover physically and mentally from a hectic schedule. Mustafizur has actively participated in various competitions, such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the Sri Lanka T20 series, and the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). His return for the later part of the series is still possible, depending on his fitness.

Also read Bangladesh-Sri Lanka T20I Series: Rivalry Reaches Boiling Point with On-Field Provocations and Symbolic Gestures

Squad Inclusions and Exclusions

The squad sees the inclusion of uncapped opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and the return of opener Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Afif Hossain, and Mohammad Saifuddin. Notably, some players from the previous T20I series against Sri Lanka have been left out, including Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar, Aliss Al Islam, and Taijul Islam.

Hannan explained the rationale behind the squad selections. Tanzid Hasan Tamim shows promise in the T20 format and is debuting in this series. The selectors are also interested in evaluating Parvez Emon’s performance.

The exclusion of Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman from the first three matches of the T20I series against Zimbabwe has raised some eyebrows. Nonetheless, the BCB’s decisions aim to ensure both players are in the best condition to perform at their highest level for the team.