Bangladesh Announces Preliminary Squad for ICC T20 World Cup

Dhaka – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today unveiled a preliminary 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States in June. The announcement follows weeks of speculation and player evaluations during the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.

The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, reflecting the BCB’s strategy of building a competitive team for both the short and long term. Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, predictably leads the team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and tactical acumen. Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Soumya Sarkar form the core of the batting lineup, expected to provide stability and firepower at the top of the order.

The middle order sees the inclusion of Towhid Hridoy, who has impressed with his consistent performances in domestic cricket, and veteran Sabbir Rahman, offering both batting and off-spin options. Rishad Hossain, a rising leg-spinner, has also been included, showcasing the BCB’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, both proven performers in international cricket. Alongside them, the squad includes experienced campaigners like Shoriful Islam and promising young fast bowler Hasan Mahmud. The spin department will be led by Shakib Al Hasan, supported by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain.

Notably absent from the preliminary squad is Mosaddek Hossain, who has struggled for form in recent matches. The BCB has stated that the final squad of 15 will be announced after the conclusion of the Dhaka Premier League and a final assessment of player fitness and form.

“We have carefully considered the performances of players in both domestic and international cricket before finalizing this preliminary squad,” stated BCB Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin during a press conference. “We believe this squad represents a good balance of experience and youth, and we are confident that they can compete strongly in the World Cup.”

The team is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on May 28th, and will play a series of warm-up matches before the start of the tournament. Bangladesh is grouped in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Canada, and the United States.

Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. The BCB is expected to announce a separate squad for the Zimbabwe series shortly. This series will provide valuable match practice for players vying for a place in the final World Cup squad.

Globally, other teams are also announcing their preliminary squads. India recently named a strong squad featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, while England has included several players from their recent Test series victory. The tournament is expected to be highly competitive, with Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa also considered strong contenders. The ICC has announced several initiatives to promote the tournament, including a global marketing campaign and enhanced broadcasting coverage. The co-hosting arrangement between the West Indies and the United States is seen as a strategic move to expand the reach of the sport to new audiences. The tournament organizers are hoping for record attendance and viewership, reflecting the growing popularity of T20 cricket worldwide.