Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has affirmed that all-rounder Mahmudullah is still very much in the plans for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on October 5 in India. The announcement comes despite Mahmudullah’s absence from recent ODI matches, raising questions about his position in the team.
The versatile all-rounder’s inclusion in the World Cup squad was confirmed by Hassan, putting to rest any doubts surrounding his role in the upcoming competition. Mahmudullah’s last appearance in the 50-over format dates back to March, and the reasons for his omission have been attributed to rest and subsequent squad reshuffles.
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During Mahmudullah’s absence, Towhid Hridoy stepped up to fill the void, but Bangladesh’s search for a reliable number seven player continues. With the inclusion of two all-rounders in the team, the management faces a decision on whether to prioritize an additional batter or bowler in the lineup.
Hassan addressed concerns about Mahmudullah’s place in the squad and the challenges posed by injuries to key players. He emphasized that the selectors are considering backup players due to the risk of injuries during high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup. The president highlighted the need for strategic flexibility and the importance of standby players.
BCB had initially planned to announce the same squads for both the World Cup and the Asia Cup. However, injuries forced changes to these plans, leading to a shift in strategy. Despite these challenges, Hassan assured fans that the World Cup squad would be revealed on September 26, following the series against New Zealand.
“We have to give them [the ICC] a squad for logistical reasons,” Hassan explained, outlining the practical considerations driving the squad announcement timeline. He mentioned that the main squad submission deadline falls on September 27, providing leeway for teams to make adjustments to their lineups after the initial announcement.
Hassan acknowledged the complexities of team selection, particularly with key players returning from injuries. The challenge of narrowing down the squad from a larger pool of talented players was highlighted. With the imminent return of players like Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, the selection process becomes even more intricate.
The BCB president concluded by emphasizing the depth of talent available and the difficulties in leaving out deserving performers. He assured cricket enthusiasts that the selection process would be thorough, taking into account various factors before announcing the final squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
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