In matter of months, Bangladesh will have opportunity to test its earned reputation in ODI format of cricket in one regional (Asia Cup) and one global (ICC World Cup), both of which are scheduled to be staged in South Asia. 

BCB has started fitness training with 32 members primary squads for 1 August 2023. BCB selectors informed that by 7th or 8th the squad will be trimmed down to 22 and ultimately 15 members squad will be announced for participation in the Asia Cup scheduled to start from 31 August in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. That will be followed by a three matches ODI series at home against New Zealand before the ICC World Cup Mission in India. Given the reputation of Bangladesh in ODI format and considering that the tournaments will be played in known South Asian Condition Bangladeshi cricket admirers have reasons to believe that there is reasonable chance for Bangladesh reaching Semi Finals of both the tournament. Some even have started dreaming of reaching the final or winning it. Some top Bangladeshi players are now playing in different countries in franchise cricket. 

The tournaments will be played in 50 Overs ODI format. ODI Captain Tamim Iqbal has returned home after having treatment in United Kingdom. His health condition is being vigorously monitored. In a weeks’ time it will be known whether he will achieve match fitness for leading the team. Otherwise BCB must announce the name of the new captain. Few believe that for such important assignment Litton K Das should not be burdened with the onerous task. Rather tried and tested Shakib Al Hasan should be given the responsibility. Anyway, we are sure BCB is pondering over that possibility. Another point of contention was whether veteran Mahmudullah Riad will be recalled in the squad. BCB was always insisting that experienced Riad was in their planning all along. In the recent couple of series some fringe players were being experimented as back up in the late middle order. Since none did consistently well and Riad has been included in preliminary squad he can not be ignored unless his fitness becomes an issue. A fit Riad is indispensable for Bangladesh for his maturity and wealth of experience. 

Now a genuine question is being asked. What led to Tamim suddenly announcing retirement in the middle of an ODI series? Was that from the alleged sour relation with the Head Coach Chandrika Haturasinghe? If that is so how that relation will impact the gelling of the team when Tamim returns? It is also believed that Haturasinghe is not in favor of Mahmudullah being included in the squad for Asia Cup and World Cup. His inclusion in the preliminary squad now is for insistence of BCB President and some influential BCB directors. Off course Mahmudullah is a popular choice. We have seen Riad has started preparing himself with utmost sincerity and commitment. His experience in major tournament must be utilized. A paid is none to dictate the formation of a team or a squad. 

We have come to know that Tamim wants Mahmudullah in the side. He also talked about Mashrafe’s presence in the group as mentor of the team in the World Cup. Neither BCB nor even Mashrafe knows about the role of a mentor in the team. 

Setting aside all these Asia Cup is only a few weeks away. Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are completing their preparations in many ways. India is playing ODI series against West Indies, key Pakistani players are now playing in LPL (Lankan Professional League) alongside Sri Lankan and Afghan players. Bangladesh has issues to sort out before announcing the squad. A happy development is that apart from Shakib some other Bangladeshi players are now playing franchise cricket abroad. Taskin, Mushfique, Tawhid Hridoy, Shoriful, Litton will be extremely benefitted from these. It was right not to release Taskin for LPL. The workload of the key Bangladesh strike bowler must be managed smartly. 

Talking about the ultimate squad almost 12-13 of the 15 men squad are now automatic choice. If Tamim is fit and returns obviously he will lead the team and open the batting with Litton K Das, Nazmul Shanto with bat at three though he was a little inconsistent against Afghanistan. Shakib, Tawhid Hridoy and Mushfique will bat at 4 ,5 and 6. Depending on match situation the batting order may be shuffled. Several experiments were made with number 7. Our choice will obviously for tried and tested Mahmudullah Riad. Mehedi Hasan Miraj will be slotted at 8. Bangladesh should play with three pacers for which choice will be among Taskin, Mustahfiz, Ebadat, Shoriful and Hasan Mahmood. For a backup opener will recommend for young Tanzid Hasan Tamim. He will be like for like replacement of Tamim Iqbal if he is ultimately not fit. Either Afif or Mosaddeq can be considered as back for late middle order. Ideally a pace bowling all rounder could be useful. Haturasinghe possibly has Soumya Sarkar in mind. But he could not grab the opportunity. Veteran Taizul Islam should be back up spinner. 

Bangladesh has quality, experience, and subcontinental conditions in their favor. If the players remain positively motivated there is no reason why team tigers do not crack at both the event. Hope social media stays within their battery limits and let relevant responsible authority taking fair and independent decisions.

BDST: 0900 HRS, AUG 02, 2023
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