Mashrafe Mortaza Left Out From Bangladesh's Preliminary Squad For West Indies ODIs

Bangladesh’s selection committee- led by Minhajul Abedin has picked a preliminary 24-member squad for the upcoming ODI and Test series against West Indies on home soil in which they have opted to drop veteran pacer and the country’s most successful captain Mashrafe Mortaza from the ODI squad.

Bangladesh will make a comeback to international cricket after nearly a year when they host West Indies for 3 ODIs and two Tests later this month.

Mortaza’s axing comes at a time when Bangladesh is looking to rebuild their ODI side for the 2023 World Cup. The veteran pacer had stepped down from the leadership role following the 3-0 series win against Zimbabwe at home last year but Mortaza had insisted that he would continue to ply his trade in his capacity as a player.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin has said that the decision to drop Mashrafe Mortaza was a collective one by the selectors as well as the team management.

“We respect him, he has done a lot for the country. I have spoken to him in detail, so there’s not going to be any misunderstanding. It was a tough decision but we have to consider the reality, and keep looking forward. We took a combined decision after long discussions with team management, and considering everything [decided to] to put off Mashrafe,” Abedin was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“We discussed everything. We didn’t leave anything out. Everyone participated in the discussion including the fitness trainer and bowling coach. For the player who replaces him, it will be a fresh start. We have to expose our young players.” he added.

Abedin added that the decision to retire lies with Mortaza.

“Whether he continues playing or not, is entirely up to him. We cannot really say anything about what his performance is going to be.” he said.

 

Mashrafe Mortaza is not a part of Bangladesh’s future plans: Ottis Gibson

Ever since Mashrafe Mortaza made it clear that he intends to play ODI cricket even after relinquishing his leadership duties, there have been growing calls within the BCB and the team-management to call it a day.

Recently, Bangladesh coach Ottis Gibson had said that Mashrafe is not a part of the plans of head coach Russell Domingo.

“I think if Russell (Domingo) is now trying to build a team for the future, then I don’t know what part Mashrafe (Mortaza) will have to play in that. Perhaps now is his time, with all that’s going on in the world, to move on,” Ottis Gibson had said.

“He can find other ways to pass on his vast knowledge and experience to the young guys. I don’t think he has to be on the field to be able to pass on what he has learned over his career. He needs to find other ways to pass on that message.” he added.

Meanwhile, those who have been selected in the initial squad will take part in the training camp from next week before playing in two practice games on January 14 and 16, following which the squad will be trimmed.

 

Bangladesh’s preliminary squads:

ODIs:

Tamim Iqbal (c), Mohammad Mithun, Taijul Islam, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Momimul Haque, Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hassan Miraz

Tests:

Mushfiqur Rahim, Momimul Haque, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Mohammad Mithun, Taijul Islam, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Shadman Islam, Saif Hassan, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tamim Iqbal, Khaled Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mustafizur Rahman