Shakib to lead Bangladesh in Asia Cup and T20 World Cup

Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed as Bangladesh's T20I skipper till the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Saturday (August 13).

"Shakib al Hasan is the captain till the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. He admitted that he made a mistake (signing the deal with Betwinner News) and he said that won't make any further mistake and we are hopeful," BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus said.

The ace allrounder was recently involved in a controversy when he put out a social media post endorsing a sports betting company (Betwinner News). As per existing laws in Bangladesh, there is a prohibition on the facilitation and promotion of any gambling-related activities. 

However, he soon backed out from his deal and sorted everything with the board. He will now lead Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, New Zealand tri-series (also involves Pakistan) and the T20 World Cup. 

Shakib has led Bangladesh in 16 Tests, 50 ODIs and 21 T20Is in the past. The 35-year-old will have his task cut out as Bangladesh have of late struggled big time in the shortest format of the game. They have won only 13 of their last 35 T20Is and recently even lost to Zimbabwe. 

The BCB also announced a 17-man squad for the Asia Cup, which will be played in the UAE from August 27. Liton Das is injured and won't feature in the tournament, while Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Ebadat Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin have been brought back.

Bangladesh's squad for the Asia Cup: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Taskin Ahmed.