Ahead of the first T20I match against Ireland, captain Litton Das appeared at a press conference and expressed strong dissatisfaction over the squad selection.
Despite Shamim being left out, Litton claimed he was not informed about the omission.
Typically, selectors discuss team combinations with both the captain and the head coach before finalising a squad.
During this process, the captain and coach share their expectations and opinions, which the selectors consider before making the final call. However, Litton alleged that this procedure was not followed in this case.
Bangladesh’s chief selector has dismissed Litton’s claims. He said that he had already spoken to both the captain and the coach during the second Test against Ireland. Lipu even acknowledged that Litton had requested Shamim’s inclusion, but said the final decision was made based on performance.
Speaking to Cricfrenzy, Lipu said, “As part of our regular process, we take everyone’s opinion. While reviewing those opinions, we often have detailed discussions. In continuation of that process, I can say that on Day 4 of the Test in Mirpur, after the day’s play, we had a meeting. The captain was requested to come; he came to the selectors’ room, and we discussed everything there.”
“We asked some questions, things we routinely ask. We talked about our batting lineup and several other issues. We specifically discussed Shamim Patwari as well. The captain said he wanted him in the squad based on his recent performances. The coach agreed with his view. The captain informed me that he had spoken to the coach, and the coach supported that decision,” he added.
Litton was surprised not to see Shamim’s name when the T20 squad was announced.
Lipu said he believes Litton assumed that Shamim would be included after their discussion. Once the squad was finalised, there was no further communication with the captain, he added.
“As per procedure, we submit the squad to the cricket operations department, along with a brief explanation. Over time, the list gets approved, and after approval, it is released to the media. Perhaps the captain thought Shamim Patwari would be in the team. That may have been his personal assumption. But I never confirmed the squad to him in any way, nor did I inform him. That’s why he was quite surprised.”
