In a significant development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Notably, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will be donning the captain’s hat for the team, not only in the Asia Cup but also in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The announcement, however, came with a noticeable omission. Veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has been left out of the squad, even after being summoned for a fitness camp. Mahmudullah, 37, participated in the ODI series against England earlier this year, but his absence from the Asia Cup squad suggests that he may not be part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) future plans.
Speaking about Mahmudullah’s exclusion, Minhajul Abedin, the BCB chief selector, explained, “There was a lengthy discussion regarding Mahmudullah. The team management has outlined a future plan, and taking all factors into consideration, we had to exclude Mahmudullah.”
While Mahmudullah’s omission raises questions about his future in the national team, the BCB has turned its focus toward nurturing young talent. Tanzid Hasan, a promising young cricketer who was a key member of Bangladesh’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad, has received his maiden call-up to the senior team. With Tamim Iqbal sidelined due to a back injury for the Asia Cup, Hasan could potentially make his debut in the tournament.
“Tanzid has displayed outstanding performance in the past few years and has notably excelled in the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup. His aggressive batting style as an opener could add brisk runs to the scoreboard. We have high expectations for him,” Abedin shared.
As the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, the spotlight is on Shakib Al Hasan and his leadership, as well as the infusion of young talent into the squad. The decision to exclude Mahmudullah underlines the BCB’s strategic focus on shaping the team’s future prospects. The Asia Cup is set to kick off on August 30 and will serve as a crucial preparatory event for the participating teams leading up to the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023.