Shawdesh desk:

On Wednesday afternoon, the Bangladesh cricket team embarked on their journey to India for this year’s ICC World Cup, set to commence on October 5 with a face-off between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Bangladesh’s inaugural match against Afghanistan is slated for October 7 in Dharamshala. Prior to that, the Tigers are scheduled for two official warm-up encounters in Guwahati against Sri Lanka and England on September 23 and October 2, respectively.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed the squad just a day before the team’s departure to India.

Shakib Al Hasan will lead the team in this year’s World Cup, with Najmul Hossain Shanto serving as his deputy.

Star opener Tamim Iqbal did not make the cut due to injuries, as the selection panel opted to omit him. Tamim’s exclusion sparked a minor controversy, as former captain Masrafe bin Mortaza asserted that Tamim made the decision not to be part of the team, rather than being left out.

With Tamim absent, Bangladesh must now fill the void he leaves at the top of the order.

However, Mahmudullah Riyad, who has been grappling with poor form for an extended period, secured a spot in the World Cup team.

Out of the 15 team members, Bangladesh selected five pace bowlers, including newcomer Tanzim Hasan Sakib. They also have one genuine spinner in Nasum Ahmed.

Bangladesh’s success in this World Cup will hinge largely on senior players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mustafizur Rahman, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, as others are yet to establish themselves as match-winners.

Bangladesh Squad for the World Cup 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.