The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the 15-member squad on Thursday night for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with Afif Hossain Dhrubo emerging as a surprise inclusion.
The left-handed batter last featured in an ODI during Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies in December 2024. Having recently scored a century for South Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) One-Day tournament, Afif has been recalled by the selectors primarily to address the middle-order void.
Bangladesh last played an ODI series against the West Indies, and several changes have been made to that squad. Litton Das, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam have returned to the side after missing the previous series due to injury concerns, including a side strain that had ruled Litton out of the ODIs.
However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been ruled out of the first two matches due to injury, while pacer Hasan Mahmud opted out because of a family emergency. In addition, Jaker Ali Anik, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shamim Hossain Patowary, and Nasum Ahmed have been dropped from the squad that featured in the West Indies series.
Regarding Afif’s inclusion, chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said, “We have given opportunities to several players in the middle order, but unfortunately some have not done enough to secure their places. With that in mind, Afif Hossain has been recalled. He brings valuable experience and currently appears to be in fine touch.”
He also spoke about wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, who will add flexibility to the middle order. “Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained, and this is a good opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown,” Lipu said.
Litton Das, who was out of form in ODIs, has been called back. Lipu backed his decision, saying, “There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game. We believe he can soon produce his best in this format and are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order.”
The three-match ODI series will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15. A series win could help Bangladesh improve its position in the ODI rankings.
Squad:
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
