The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its 15-man squad for the 2011 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in the sub-continent from 19 February.
The declaration of the 15 member squad did not bring about any surprises with Shakib Al Hasan being named captain, while Tamim Iqbal will be acting as his deputy.
However, former captain Mashrafe Mortaza will not be taking part in the event that will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh, as the injured fast bowler was left out of the final squad. The squad was announced at Mirpur's Grameenphone-BCB Academy Complex by Chief Selector Rafiqul Alam.
Mashrafe, Bangladesh’s most cherished all-rounder, has been out of international cricket due to injuries which have threatened his career. His recent injury caused panic in the Tigers camp. He suffered a blow to his right knee while playing club cricket in Dhaka in December 2010.
He strived hard to recover from the injury in time for the World Cup preparations however, the selectors decided against including him in the team. The 27-year-old had begun bowling off a short run-up during net sessions for the past few days. However, the selectors reckoned that he is not 100 percent fit for the World Cup.
“Mashrafe is our most experienced and best bowler. But very sad to say he is nowhere near to fitness at this moment,” Alam told the crowded press room.
He further stated that that the all-rounder needs another month to fully recover from the injury. Alam added that medical reports suggest that although he can start “unrestricted bowling” from February, yet there are many issues to consider before he is fully fit.
Alam said, “There is a question of his cricketing fitness which includes bowling fitness, rhythm, match practice and confidence.” The chief selector said that it was a difficult decision to drop Mortaza for the coveted event, but after consulting head coach Jamie Siddons and bowling coach Ian Pont, they decided against picking him.
Mortaza’s exclusion from the 15-man squad is a big blow to Bangladesh, as he was one of the most experienced campaigners in the Tigers camp.
However, Shakib has always remained the favourite of the selection panel for the captaincy, as Bangladesh has enjoyed a string of successful results under his tenure. The highlight of 2010 was when a relatively younger Tigers side stunned New Zealand in a one-day series 4-0 in October, and then beat Zimbabwe 3-1 in December 2010.
Mortaza’s absence means that pace-man Nazmul Hossain will get a chance to shine. He has performed fairly well in the domestic circuit and has taken 146 wickets in 118 One Day matches.
The squad has been loaded with spinners as expected, since the home ground is known to produce spinning-friendly decks. Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak along with captain Shakib will provide effective slow-bowling options whereas Mohammad Ashraful will support the bowling attack with his leg-spin.
Bangladesh World Cup Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Junaid Siddique, Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain), Suhrawadi Shuvo, Imrul Kayes, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Ashraful, Raqibul Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Nazmul Hossain.
