Bangladesh Squad for Asia Cup 2023 Announced, Tamim Iqbal Ruled Out Of The Tournament

Bangladesh, on Saturday (August 12), announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. The continental championship is scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 17 in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

On Friday, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Shakib Al Hasan as their new ODI captain for the Asia Cup as well as the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023. Shakib Al Hasan has replaced veteran opener Tamim Iqbal as the Bangladesh ODI captain. Tamim will also miss the Asia Cup due to a back injury.

Bangladesh have named a 17-member squad for the tournament. With Tamim out of the tournament, uncapped opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim has received his maiden call-up. Young batsman Shamim Patowary has also received his maiden ODI call-up. Patowary has already played 17 T20Is for the Bangla Tigers but is yet to make his debut for the team in other formats.

Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup 2023:

Talking about Tanzid, he is one of the candidates for Bangladesh to replace Tamim at the top of the batting order. The 22-year-old recently impressed in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup where he scored three fifties. He also impressed with his batting during the last edition of the Dhaka Premier League.

Bangladesh have also recalled Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, and Nasum Ahmed in the 17-member squad for the tournament. In another big development, Mahmudullah has been snubbed once again by the Bangladesh selectors as they preferred the likes of Shamim, Afif Hossain, and Mahedi ahead of the veteran batsman.

Mahmudullah has not played an ODI since the home series against England in March this year. He missed the two ODI series against Ireland and the one against Afghanistan in July. At that time, the selectors stated that the batsman was rested. However, the latest decision is yet another proof that they have decided to move on from him in the 50-over format.

Bangladesh have also dropped Taijul Islam and Rony Talukdar from the team. Both the players were part of the team for the series against Afghanistan. The Shakib Al Hasan-led side will open their campaign in the Asia Cup against reigning champions Sri Lanka in Pallekele on August 31.

Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das, Tanzid Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Sheikh Mahedi, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Mohammad Naim