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 No Tamim Iqbal; Mahmudullah In As Bangladesh Announce World Cup 2023 Squad

image-ln09kxhyTamim Iqbal & Shakib Al Hasan are rumoured to have a rift (X.com)

Bangladesh has officially unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated ICC ODI World Cup, and it comes with some notable changes. The squad, captained by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan, boasts a mix of talent and experience, aiming to make a mark on the global stage.

However, the biggest headline from the announcement is the absence of Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's star opener. Tamim, known for his explosive batting, will be sidelined from the tournament due to fitness concerns. This development undoubtedly comes as a significant setback for the Bangladeshi team, as Tamim has been a consistent performer at the top of the order for many years. Mahmudullah though who recently made a comeback for the New Zealand series, has made it to the World Cup squad.

Reports have emerged indicating a dramatic turn of events in Bangladesh cricket. Tamim Iqbal, a key player, did not specify which matches he intended to participate in but made it clear that if the team management wanted to include him in the World Cup squad, they would have to accept him as a half-fit player. 

This revelation left the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and team management in shock, leading BCB President Nazmul Hossain Papon to convene an emergency meeting with ODI captain Shakib Al Hasan and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. Contrary to earlier reports, Tamim was not present at this meeting, and it lasted for less than half an hour, with no subsequent statements made to the media by Nazmul or Shakib.

The situation took another unexpected twist when rumors circulated that Shakib had considered stepping down as captain due to his opposition to including a half-fit player in the World Cup squad. 


Bangladesh's World Cup 2023 Squad

SQUAD: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Tanzid Tamim, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

However with Tamim's omission, the onus will fall on the likes of Litton Das, and Najmul Hossain Shanto to provide a solid start for Bangladesh in the World Cup. 

Since, Mehidy Hasan Miraz recently played well as an opener during the Asia Cup 2023, we could probably see him donning that role once again. On the bowling front, the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam could be their preferred pacers while Nasum Ahmed adds an extra spin option along with the likes of Mehidy Hasan and the skipper, Shakib Al Hasan himself.

The team's preparation will kick off with two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and England in Guwahati before their first official World Cup clash against Afghanistan in Dharamsala on October 7.