Shanto to continue as skipper as Bangladesh announce squad for Afghanistan ODIs

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced Bangladesh’s squad for the three ODIs against Afghanistan next week, persisting with Najmul Hossain Shanto as skipper. 

A few days ago, after Bangladesh’s defeat in the first Test against South Africa, reports surfaced that the 26-year-old is likely to step down as Bangladesh’s captain after this series. A new captain, however, may be announced for Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies starting on November 22. BCB has not announced the squad for this tour which consists of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is.

The BCB president, Faruque Ahmed, told the media on Thursday (October 31) that the board is considering Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed as frontrunners in the captaincy discussions. A few days ago, the left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also expressed the desire to lead Bangladesh in Test cricket. 

Nahid Rana, the 22-year-old seamer, has made it to the ODI squad. He has impressed with his pace in the five Tests he has played this year. 

The BCB has also recalled opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. The left-handed Zakir has played only one ODI but has been a regular in the Test side, playing 12 matches since his international debut in 2022. Nasum (50 international white-ball games) marks his return since Bangladesh’s clash against Australia in the 50-over World Cup last year, where he went for 0/85 in his 10 overs. 

Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud have been dropped. The latter is out due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the ongoing National Cricket League season.

Among more notable absentees, Bangladesh will be without Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. Shakib has retired from Tests and T20Is and is targeting the Champions Trophy next year. However, he opted not to take part in this series. Litton, meanwhile, missed the second Test against South Africa due to illness, which has kept him out of the three ODIs against Afghanistan. 

The three-match ODI series will be played in Sharjah on November 6, 9  and 11. 

Bangladesh's ODI squad: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto ( c ), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

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