Tanzid Hasan replaces injured Tamim Iqbal as Bangladesh name 17-member squad for Asia Cup

Mahmudullah has been left out of the 17-member squad.

Tanzid Hasan (Image via ESPNCricinfo)

Bangladesh’s cricket scene is changing dramatically as the country starts preparing for the Asia Cup, which commences on August 30. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) disclosed a dynamic 17-member squad for the competition, reflecting their forward-thinking approach. Tanzid Hasan, a 22-year-old opener who has left a significant impact in domestic cricket, is a notable inclusion in the group.

Tanzid’s excellent achievements, including his three fifties in the Emerging Asia Cup, have won him a well-deserved place. He fills in the void for Tamim Iqbal, who has been ruled out due to his back injury. Tanzid’s advancement to prominence has been rapid, and his ability to deliver runs quickly has drawn the attention of selectors toward him.

Notably, this also represents a shift in leadership. Tamim Iqbal, the former captain, stepped down from the ODI captaincy, allowing veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to head the team in the upcoming international competitions.

“Tanzid has been brilliant in the last couple of years and has played tremendously well in the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup,” BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin said.

Also read: No VIP treatment for Pakistan at ODI World Cup despite PCB demanding extra security, confirms Ministry of External Affairs

Shakib-Al-Hasan to lead Bangladesh squad in 2023 Asia Cup

Recalled players such as Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed will join Tanzid in the squad. These additions are intended to increase the skill set depth of the team. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin acknowledged the potential of these young players and their capacity to contribute positively to the squad’s performance in the Asia Cup.

However, the squad announcement was not made hurriedly. Veteran hitter Mahmudullah, who has dedicated his career to Bangladesh cricket, was once again left off the squad. The decision was made after there had been conversations with team management, leaving Mahmudullah on the bench for the current campaign.

With these adjustments, Bangladesh hopes to put their best foot forward when they face Sri Lanka in their first match on August 31 in Pallekele. The youthful infusion, highlighted by Tanzid Hasan’s inclusion, represents a strategy centered on developing rising talent and establishing a competitive future squad.

As cricket fans are looking forward to the Asia Cup, all eyes will be on how these new faces and experienced veterans work hand in hand under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan to take Bangladesh cricket to new heights.

Bangladesh Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Litton Das, Tanjid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Mohammad Naim