Bangladesh name Khaled Mahmud as team director for 2023 ODI World Cup

Khaled Mahmud has been reappointed as the team director of Bangladesh for the ODI World Cup, which is set to begin on October 5. The former Bangladesh captain is the current director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He previously served as team director but left the position after India's tour of Bangladesh. Earlier this year, he said he wasn't willing to take up the role.

The all-rounder had the experience of working as a team director when Chandika Hathurusingha was the coach of the Sri Lankan team. After being reappointed, Mahmud said that BCB president Nazmul Hasan asked him to reprise his role, and he couldn't say 'no' to the 62-year-old.

"Papon (Nazmul) bhai called me this morning and said that he is including my name in the team management list for the World Cup and I could not say no to him," Mahmud was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Mahmud had served as technical director of Bangladesh when Russell Domingo was the head coach. However, the former stepped down from his position, stating that he had no say in the selection and the planning process. Later, Mahmud was also part of the T20 setup of Bangladesh, which was coached by Sridharan Sriram.

Bangladesh qualified for Super Four stage in Asia Cup 2023

The Tigers didn't get off to a great start in Asia Cup 2023, as they were comprehensively beaten by hosts Sri Lanka. Shakib Al Hasan and Co. faced Afghanistan in a do-or-die contest in Lahore. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nazmul Hossain Shanto scored centuries as Bangladesh posted a mammoth 334/5 after 50 overs. In reply, Afghanistan were bundled out for 245, handing Bangladesh an 89-run victory.

With this win, Bangladesh booked their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. A fit-again Litton Das will join the side ahead of their first Super Four encounter. However, the in-form Shanto has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.