The first Test against Sri Lanka has ended for Bangladesh. Now, both teams are preparing to take to the field for the second Test. Earlier, the BCB announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.
Naeem Sheikh has returned to the team after a long time. In addition, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed have returned to the team after recovering from injuries. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu explained about Naeem Sheikh’s return to the team after 2 years at a press conference.
The chief selector was saying, ‘Before selecting the team, we, the selectors, are thinking about the best possible combination at this moment. When thinking about that, the opener’s position is a specialist position. Then you have to think about an alternative opener. You usually have three openers in the team. In that light, when we had to think about it, Naeem Sheikh is the best and available as our third opener at this moment.’
Naeem Sheikh, however, has come to the national team having proven himself. He scored 618 runs in 11 matches in the Dhaka Premier League that ended in April. This is the third highest in this season. He was previously the highest run-scorer in the BPL.
Later, regarding Soumya Sarkar’s absence, the chief selector said, “Soumya Sarkar is a very important cricketer. He has 10 years of experience playing international cricket. So he will adapt to the demands of recent cricket and keep himself ready. And we will offer him to provide overall support to the big canvas and he is in our mind. He has to be brought one more step forward in the light of his qualifications.”
The Bangladesh team, which is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka, is currently playing a Test series. After the first Test in Galle, the second Test will begin in Colombo on June 25. The ODI series will then begin in Colombo on July 2. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on July 5, and the third and final ODI will be played in Pallekele on July 8.
FAQ
Who is Nayeem Sheikh?
Nayeem Sheikh is a Bangladeshi cricketer known for his performances in domestic and international cricket, primarily as a top-order batsman.
Why is Nayeem Sheikh’s return significant?
Nayeem is returning to the ODI squad after two years, which marks a major comeback and shows the selectors’ renewed trust in him.
When was the last time Nayeem Sheikh played an ODI for Bangladesh?
His last appearance in an ODI match was two years ago, though the exact date depends on official match records.
What led to his absence from the team?
Nayeem’s absence could be due to form, fitness, or team combinations. Specific reasons may vary based on official team statements.
Which series or tournament is this squad selected for?
The squad is likely chosen for an upcoming ODI series or international tournament. Details would be available in the official announcement.
Are there any other major changes in the squad?
Apart from Nayeem’s return, there may be other new inclusions or exclusions. The full squad list would highlight any notable changes.
