Shakib Al Hasan returns to Bangladesh squad for the Asia Cup 2018

As Bangladesh prepared for the Asia Cup 2018, there was one major concern over the availability of their biggest name Shakib Al Hasan. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad on August 30 and Shakib features as the vice-captain in the 15-man squad. They will leave for the United Arab Emirates on September 9 and start the Asia Cup campaign with the first match against Sri Lanka on September 15 in Dubai. Their second league match is against Afghanistan on September 20 in Abu Dhabi.

Skipper Mashrafe Mortaza will be eager to make the best of the momentum they earned with the 2-1 ODI series win in Windies. The selectors made three changes in the squad that toured the Caribbean. Sabbir Rahman, Anamul Haque and Abu Jayed have been dropped from the team. Mohammad Mithun impressed most with his performance while representing Bangladesh A and earned himself a spot for the tournament.

They also picked Ariful Haque who received his maiden ODI call-up among others who managed to hold on to their place in the side are Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Namzul Islam Apu, Abu Hider Rony and Ariful Haque. There was speculation that if he opts to go for a surgery on his injured finger he might have to miss the tournament. Shakib had to make the big decision and after deliberation, the all-rounder confirmed that he will undergo the surgery after playing the Asia Cup. He is expected to fly off to the USA right after the conclusion of the tournament.

Bangladesh have done really well at the Asia Cup in the last few years as the team reached the finals twice in the last three editions.

Bangladesh squad for the Asia Cup:

Mashrafe Mortaza (C), Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ariful Haque, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Haider Rony

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