|| CF DESK ||

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first three games of next month’s five-match T20 international series.

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan omitted upon request as he will play two matches of Dhaka Premier League (DPL), while fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who is scheduled to return from the IPL on May’s first week, has been rested for the first three matches.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Saifuddin returned to the national team squad for the first time in 18 months as the pace-bowling all-rounder last played for Bangladesh in Christchurch in a tri-nation T20 match against Pakistan in October, 2022. 

Saifuddin has shown solid bowling form lately, taking 13 wickets in 10 innings during the DPL after claiming 15 wickets in nine matches in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Opening batsman Tanzid Hasan Tamim is the only uncapped player in the squad.

The first three matches will be held in Chattogram on May 3, 5 and 7. The last two matches of the series will be held in Mirpur on May 10 and 12.

SQUAD

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Afif Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin