Bangladesh star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan has been named in the Bangladesh ODI squad for the series against West Indies, the selectors confirmed on Saturday. This will be Shakib's first international assignment ever since he was banned by the ICC towards the end of 2019 for failing to report a corrupt approach. The 33-year-old successfully made his return to competitive cricket by the end of last year and took part in the domestic competitions organised by the BCB in the absence of international cricket. Shakib's return also coincides with Bangladesh's first international assignment ever since Covid-19 brought the cricketing world to a standstill last year in March. Also in the 18-man party are Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain. Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who was left out of the 24-man training group earlier this month, as well as Al-Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Naim are among the prominent names missing.
Offspinner Mahadi Hasan and seamers Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam are the uncapped players present in the 18-man squad. This series will also be Tamim Iqbal's first as captain ever since he was named the ODI skipper."Naturally we are delighted to have Shakib Al Hasan back in the squad as we all know he is a game changer and we are expecting him to return to his best very soon," Chief selector Minhajul Abedin told Cricbuzz. "We have picked Rubel Hossain as he bowled well in the domestic tournament while Taskin was injured earlier but now as he is fit and the way he is bowling, we felt that he deserves a chance. "We have said earlier that the provisional squad was the reflection of our plan of action and that is why we could not include Mashrafe in it. Mahedi has been performing really well for the last two years and we feel it is the right time for him to get some exposure. As far as the pace duo is concerned both of them are bowling really fast and that impressed us a lot which paved their way into the squad," he added further on the uncapped trio.The first ODI is scheduled on 20th January.
