The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced Shakib Al Hasan as skipper of the national team ahead of Asia Cup and World Cup 2023 tournaments. Shakib Al Hasan has been a consistent performer for the national team. He is now the captain of Bangladesh in three formats – ODI, Test, and T20I cricket.
Who is Shakib Al Hasan Replacing as Captain?
The all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan takes over Tamim Iqbal who stepped down from his skipper role. Shakib’s ascension to the captaincy is another hallmark in his career as one of Bangladesh’s best cricketers.
Why Did Tamim Iqbal Resign and Hand Over the ODI Captaincy to Shakib Al Hasan?
Tamim Iqbal has been dealing with several fitness issues of late, hampering his chances to lead Bangladesh into the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup. His injury and fitness woes compounded in recent weeks, leading to his withdrawal from an upcoming series with New Zealand.
Did Tamim Iqbal Retire from International Cricket Before?
Tamim Iqbal once considered retiring from international cricket in 2023. He announced his retirement to the shock of Bangladesh fans. However, a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saw Iqbal reverse his decision less than two days after his initial announcement.
What Does the BCB Have to Say about Shakib Al Hasan’s Captaincy?
BCB President Nazmul Hassan cited Shakib’s experience and gameplay influence as major factors behind his selection. In his words, Hassan cited several reasons why he is the best option for Bangladesh’s captaincy in all three formats:
“Shakib is the easiest choice as the captain for his experience and influence, so he was our obvious choice. “Pressure is a big factor. You can’t compare the World Cup pressure and pressure in a bilateral series. Shakib is a performer and he knows how to handle the pressure in crucial tournament and moment. At this moment there is no one better than him,”
Several commentators echoed Hassan’s comments about Shakib’s captaincy, claiming he’s the best fit for Bangladesh right now.
Who Were the Other Candidates for the ODI Captaincy?
The two main candidates for the Bangladesh captain apart from Hasan were Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan. These candidates were strong favorites to lead Bangladesh before the BCB opted to appoint Shakib Al Hasan. Liton Das is the current Vice-captain while Mehidy Hasan is one of Bangladesh’s most capable all-rounders.
Was Shakib ODI Captain Before Now?
Shakib Al Hasan has been Bangladesh skipper for 50+ ODI games before he got the role again for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023. He was the Bangladesh skipper at ODIs from 2009 to 2011 and also captained his team at the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan was once a deputy to Mashrafe Bin Mortaza from 2015 to 2017. Mortaza’s frequent injury troubles led to Shakib leading the ODI format for three games throughout that time.
How Many Games Has Shakib Played As Skipper for Bangladesh Since His Debut?
Shakib Al Hasan has been Bangladesh captain for 110 games combined prior to his announcement as ODI captain for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023. He was the skipper for 52 ODIs, 39 T20Is, and 19 Test games. He remains one of Bangladesh’s most popular players in recent times based on his gameplay performance, leadership skills, and on-pitch dominance.
Will Tamim Iqbal Return to the Bangladesh Cricket Team?
Tamim Iqbal has been ruled out of competitive cricket for some weeks after his fitness concerns came to light. He is expected to miss the Asia Cup starting on August 30, 2023. However, Iqbal has not retired from international cricket and will likely make a return in the coming months.
Some reports claim that Iqbal will be in full match-fitness during the scheduled ODI series with New Zealand. The series will begin on September 21, 2023 if present plans for the tie don’t get postponed at the last minute.
Probable Bangladesh Squad for Asia Cup 2023 and ICC ODI World Cup 2023
Bangladesh is on schedule for a busy cricket calendar from August 30. The most likely players to feature for Bangladesh at the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023 are listed below:
- Afif Hossain
- Ahmed, Taskin
- Ali, Yasir
- Das, Litton (V/C)
- Hossain Shanto, Najmul
- Hossain, Mahmudullah
- Islam, Shoriful
- Kishan, Ishan
- Miraz, Mehidy Hasan
- Rahim, Mushfiqur
- Rahman, Mustafizur
- Shakib Al Hasan (C)
- Taijul Islam
- Yasir Ali
