Dhaka – Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced the final squads of Bangladesh men’s and women’s teams for the ensuing ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014.
Announcing the teams, chairman of BCB National Selection Panel Faruque Ahmed described the men’s team as a blend of experience and youth.
“We’ve considered the fact that this was a world event and experience was necessary as well as giving opportunity to youngsters like Mominul Hoque and Shabbir Rahman who have the potential to excel in the shortest format,” he said.
The BCB had to leave someone like Arafat Sunny, who has impressed everyone and had been performing consistently at domestic level, for the sake of maintaining balance, Faruk said.He continued: “We’ve a lot of depth in our bowling. There’re three pace bowlers and a seaming all-rounder. However, in our conditions spin will be the main strength and we’re well covered in that area with Shakib Al Hasan, Abdur Razzak and Shohag Gazi.”
The BCB chief selector also described the Bangladesh side as an excellent fielding side which was evident in the recent twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.
He also expressed his confident that the women’s team would give a good account of itself in home conditions: “We’ve tried to pick the best squad available. The preparation has been good and the team will get more opportunities to play against strong sides in the lead up to main event.”
Terming Salma Khatun and Jahanara Alam ‘seasoned campaigners’, Faruk said there are also Ayasha Rahman whose batting is ideally suited for twenty20s. “Besides, we’ll have home advantage.”
Men’s squad: Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Tamim Iqbal Khan, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Shamsur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Mominul Hoque, Nasir Hossain, Shabbir Rahman, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shohag Gazi, Masrafe Bin Mortaza, Farhad Reza, Rubel Hossain and Al-Amin Hossain
Women’s squad : Salma Khatun (Captain), Jahanara Alam (Vicec-captain), Rumana Ahmed, Farzana Hoque, Ayasha Rahman, Lata Mondol, Sanjida Islam, Fahima Khatun, Panna Ghosh, Sharmin Akter, Nuzhat Tasnia, Khadijatul Kubra, Shohely Akther, Shamima Sultana and Saila Sharmin. – UNB
