After suffering a whitewash against Afghanistan, Bangladesh’s selectors have reacted by reshuffling the one-day squad. To strengthen a faltering middle order, wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon has been handed his maiden ODI call-up. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu explained that the 25-year-old’s selection was part of the long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup.
Ankon has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket over recent seasons, and his inclusion comes as recognition of that steady progress. Despite a modest run of form in the recent NCL T20 tournament, where he managed just 118 runs in five innings at an average of 23.60 , the selectors have shown faith in his potential rather than short-term numbers.
Lipu stressed that the decision was made with the future in mind rather than immediate performances. He believes Ankon can provide depth in the middle order and offer the captain and team management valuable options.
“Our middle order has been struggling, almost everyone is going through a lean patch,” Lipu said in a video message. “That’s why we’ve brought in Mahidul Islam Ankon. The 2027 World Cup will be played in the ODI format, and among the potential players for that tournament, Ankon’s name certainly stands out. By including him, we’ve strengthened our depth and given the captain and team management another choice.”
Meanwhile, top-order batter Soumya Sarkar has been recalled to the ODI squad. The left-hander was part of the T20 squad against Afghanistan but missed the tour to the UAE due to visa complications. He returns to replace Naim Sheikh, who was dropped after a single ODI appearance.
Explaining Soumya’s inclusion, Lipu said, “We’ve brought back Soumya Sarkar, an experienced campaigner who has been playing for about a decade. He did well against the West Indies last November, and since we’re facing the same side again, his experience will be useful. With Liton Das unavailable, Soumya provides us with a seasoned option at the top.”
