Bangladesh's captain Shakib Al Hasan missed both the official warm-up matches preceding the ICC World Cup, casting a shadow of doubt over his physical condition. Prior to the first warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka, sources within Bangladesh's team management revealed that Shakib incurred a minor injury during a football session in practice. It was anticipated that the allrounder would play some part in the second warm-up against England, yet this expectation failed to materialize. Also read: Bangladesh fall to England in final warm-up before World Cup However it is true that Bangladesh are coming into the tournament on the back of quite a lot of cricket, so the star allrounder is not exactly in need of time out in the middle. He is also very experienced in Indian conditions, with his years of playing IPL cricket complementing his tours with the national side. In the first warm-up against Sri Lanka on Friday, Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the Bangladesh team on the field, and today against England, Najmul Hossain Shanto played the role of captain. Also read: Bangladesh register comfortable win over Sri Lanka in World Cup warmup When queried about Shakib ahead of the warm-up against England today, Najmul, named vice-captain of the World Cup squad when it was announced last week, affirmed his captain's optimal fitness, and assured that he (Shakib) would be on the field for the first fixture against Afghanistan - now five days away.

In the conclusive warm-up match ahead of the impending ICC World Cup set to kick off in India this week, Bangladesh faced a defeat at the hands of England, losing by four wickets. The rain-affected contest was restricted to 37 overs. Bangladesh took the batting stance first, amassing a total of 188 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 37 overs. Also read: Bangladesh vs England ODI Series 2023 Preview: Schedule, Fixtures, Team Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerged as the highest run scorer for Bangladesh, notching up an impressive 74 runs. He had previously secured a half-century in the match against Sri Lanka. Tanzid Hasan Tamim followed closely with 45 runs. Also read: BAN vs ENG ODI Series 2023: Top Players to Watch Reece Topley led the bowling charge for England, claiming three wickets, while David Willey and Adil Rashid secured two wickets each. Also read: BAN vs ENG Series 2023: Bangladesh T20 Squad Analysis In response, Moeen Ali's 50, coupled with Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler's contributions of 34 and 30 runs, respectively, propelled England to a four-wicket victory in just 24.1 overs. On the Bangladesh side, Mustafizur Rahman stood out with two crucial wickets, while Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Nasum Ahmed each secured one wicket.

Bangladesh warmed up for their World Cup campaign with an impressive win in their match against Asian rivals Sri Lanka in Guwahati, India. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a challenging total of 263 all out in 49.1 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera provided a strong start with a partnership of over 100 runs in 14.4 overs for the first wicket. However, the Bangladeshi bowlers remained patient, awaiting the right opportunity to dismantle Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Read: ‘I certainly didn’t resign from BCB, and my action had no relation to the ongoing situation of my brother Tamim’: Nafees Iqbal Pathum Nissanka contributed 68 runs, while Dhananjaya de Silva also notched a fifty. Mahedi Hasan stood out for Bangladesh, taking three wickets for 36 runs in 9 overs. In response, Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan Tamim forged a formidable opening stand of 130 runs, providing Bangladesh with the necessary foundation to chase the target of 264. Litton's half-century and Tanzid's 84 were welcomed by Bangladeshi fans. Read: Inexplicable request to give up opening forced Tamim to withdraw Mehidy Hasan Miraz also reached a fifty, while Mushfiqur Rahim finished unbeaten at 35. Bangladesh achieved the target in 42 overs. Next, the Tigers will face England on October 2 in their final warm-up match at the same venue. Bangladesh's World Cup journey commences with a match against Afghanistan in Dharamshala on October 7.

 Nafees Iqbal, former Bangladesh opener and current member of the Bangladesh team management, provided an explanation for his departure from the national team during an international match. During the recent home series against New Zealand, Nafees served as the operational manager for the national team. On September 26, he arrived at the stadium to fulfill the same role in the third ODI. However, at some point after the match commenced, he left the stadium, sparking rumors of his resignation from the national team. Read:Sudden removal of Nafis Iqbal from team role fuels buzz over brother Tamim's place in WC squad Nafees, who played 11 Tests and 16 ODIs for Bangladesh, addressed the situation in a late-night statement on Wednesday. "I am also human and carry emotions like everyone else," he wrote in a social media post, attributing his decision to leave the team to the emotional impact of learning that he would not be a part of the Bangladesh contingent in the World Cup earlier that morning. Read: Inexplicable request to give up opening forced Tamim to withdraw "I certainly did not resign from the BCB, and my action had no relation to the ongoing situation of my younger brother Tamim Iqbal," he further clarified. "The World Cup team was announced 6-7 hours after my departure from the ground." Nafees emphasized that he followed all necessary protocols when leaving the field. He said he informed the head coach first and then followed the protocol he needed to follow to leave the stadium.  Read: World Cup 2023: Bangladesh Team Departs for India The Bangladesh team is currently in Guwahati, India, where they will compete in two official warm-up matches ahead of the main World Cup event, set to commence on October 5. Bangladesh's first match is against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamshala.

The storm over Bangladesh's squad selection for the ICC World Cup looks set to boil over, as the country's most accomplished batsman, Tamim Iqbal, revealed that he asked to be excluded after it was suggested he give up his position at the top of the order in the opening match against Afghanistan. He, however, didn't disclose who was that ‘prominent figure’ who requested him to bat in the lower-order. Prior to Tamim's decisive stance, former Bangladesh captain Masrafe Bin Mortaza contended that it was not accurate to say that Tamim was left out; rather, he chose to step aside. Read: World Cup 2023: Bangladesh Team Departs for India In a video posted on his social media this afternoon, Tamim addressed recent developments regarding his World Cup participation and his fitness, emphasizing the need for his fans and the public to know the truth. Following the announcement of the World Cup squad, Bangladesh's chief selector, Minhajul Abedin, stated that Tamim was excluded due to concerns about his fitness, mentioning that an old injury resurfaced, preventing him from playing the last ODI against New Zealand. While acknowledging some discomfort, Tamim clarified, "I'm not injured yet. As I've returned to cricket after a gap of four to five months, it's normal to have some pain." Read: Tamim opted to stay out of Bangladesh's World Cup squad: Mashrafe Tamim disclosed that the physio had assessed his fitness before the last match of the New Zealand series and confirmed that while he experienced pain, he was available for selection. However, opting for rest would ensure better rehabilitation before Bangladesh's first World Cup match. Consequently, Tamim made the decision not to play the final match against New Zealand. Challenging anyone to dispute the physio's report in a public forum, Tamim asserted, "The physio report didn't state that I would be unable to play." Tamim recounted receiving a call from an "influential figure" at BCB who advised him not to play the first match of the World Cup. Read: Tamim's World Cup exclusion due to injury: Chief Selector "I told him we are still 12-13 days away from the first match, and I would be better by then," Tamim explained. "Then he asked me to bat lower in the order if I wanted to play the first match. I couldn't accept it well. I got angry and reacted accordingly." At this juncture, as Tamim clarified, he opted not to be part of the World Cup squad. "I informed him that if they wanted me to bat lower despite my 17-year history as an opener, they should exclude me from the World Cup squad," Tamim elucidated, revealing his rationale for skipping the tournament.  

On Wednesday afternoon, the Bangladesh cricket team embarked on their journey to India for this year’s ICC World Cup, set to commence on October 5 with a face-off between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Bangladesh's inaugural match against Afghanistan is slated for October 7 in Dharamshala. Prior to that, the Tigers are scheduled for two official warm-up encounters in Guwahati against Sri Lanka and England on September 23 and October 2, respectively. Tamim fails to make the cut, Riyad's return complete as Tigers World Cup squad named The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed the squad just a day before the team's departure to India. Shakib Al Hasan will lead the team in this year’s World Cup, with Najmul Hossain Shanto serving as his deputy. Tamim opted to stay out of Bangladesh's World Cup squad: Mashrafe Star opener Tamim Iqbal did not make the cut due to injuries, as the selection panel opted to omit him. Tamim's exclusion sparked a minor controversy, as former captain Masrafe bin Mortaza asserted that Tamim made the decision not to be part of the team, rather than being left out. With Tamim absent, Bangladesh must now fill the void he leaves at the top of the order. However, Mahmudullah Riyad, who has been grappling with poor form for an extended period, secured a spot in the World Cup team. Out of the 15 team members, Bangladesh selected five pace bowlers, including newcomer Tanzim Hasan Sakib. They also have one genuine spinner in Nasum Ahmed. Bangladesh’s success in this World Cup will hinge largely on senior players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mustafizur Rahman, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, as others are yet to establish themselves as match-winners. Bangladesh suffers ODI series defeat to New Zealand Bangladesh Squad for the World Cup 2023: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Masrafe Bin Mortaza, former Bangladesh captain and a current MP, contended that Tamim Iqbal's absence from the World Cup squad was a matter of choice rather than Bangladesh Cricket Board's decision. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the World Cup squad on Tuesday, sans Tamim Iqbal. Tamim's World Cup exclusion due to injury: Chief Selector Chief selector Minhajul Abedin attributed Tamim's omission to concerns about his injuries, but Masrafe put forth a different perspective. "While many assert that Tamim was left out, the truth is that Tamim chose not to be part of the team," Mashrafe stated. "There is a significant distinction between exclusion and a voluntary decision not to join." Bangladesh suffers ODI series defeat to New Zealand Masrafe shared his take on his social media account after the team was announced. He was spotted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, the same day the squad was unveiled. It remains uncertain whether he played a part in any deliberations regarding the team selection. Tamim's exclusion from the World Cup squad reverberated as a surprising development within Bangladesh's cricketing circles. The esteemed opener has grappled with a longstanding injury. Mahmudullah 4th Bangladeshi to score 5000 runs in ODIs He sat out the Asia Cup due to the same reason, dedicating over a month to rehabilitation. He had to leave captaincy for the same as well. Tamim Iqbal made a return during the New Zealand series, batting in just one match before his injury resurfaced, leading to his absence from the final match.

Tamim Iqbal, the mainstay of Bangladesh's top order for a decade-and-a-half, finds himself absent from the squad unveiled by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for the forthcoming 2023 World Cup. Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector of the BCB, cited an enduring injury as the primary factor underpinning Tamim's omission. Also read: Tamim fails to make the cut, Riyad's return complete as Tigers World Cup squad named Prior to Tuesday's squad announcement, a prevailing sentiment within Bangladesh's cricketing circles suggested that Tamim might be excluded from the World Cup, purportedly due to reservations from captain Shakib Al Hasan and head coach Chandika Hathrusingha regarding fielding a 'half-fit' player. This notion, however, was refuted by Minhajul. Also read: Bangladesh suffers ODI series defeat to New Zealand "After the second match of the New Zealand series, Tamim's injury resurfaced, rendering him unable to partake in the third match," Minhajul clarified. "We are disinclined to undertake substantial risks, especially in the context of a big event such as the World Cup." In a noteworthy turn of events earlier this year during the home series against Afghanistan, Tamim abruptly announced his retirement from international cricket amidst a controversy ignited by his remarks. He had expressed his desire to gauge his fitness in the course of a match within the series. This comment prompted the BCB president to publicly admonish him through the media. In a swift and unexpected turn, Tamim announced his retirement. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intervened to facilitate his return. Also read: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023 "I can decline anyone, but not the leader of the country," Tamim asserted when announcing his decision to continue representing Bangladesh. Concurrently, he took a hiatus from cricket for a span of one and a half months. The southpaw batter was anticipated to stage his comeback during the Asia Cup, but regrettably, it did not come to fruition. His persistent injury compelled him to abstain from the Asia Cup and relinquish his position as the ODI captain of Bangladesh. Now, he stands excluded from the World Cup. "The decision to omit Tamim was a tough one," remarked Habibul Bashar, the former Bangladesh captain and a current selection panel member. "There is no question regarding his status as one of our preeminent batters. We aimed to assemble the best-possible team, and a fit Tamim was our aspiration. But, it was his injury that compelled us to make this tough choice." Tanzid Hasan Tamim, a left-handed opener akin to his senior counterpart, may be poised to step into the elder Tamim's shoes for the World Cup. Minhajul is optimistic about the younger Tamim's readiness to face more formidable challenges. The Bangladesh team is slated to depart for India on Wednesday. Their World Cup campaign will commence with a match against Afghanistan on October 7 in Dharamshala.

Following a series of dramatic events, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled the 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. In a social media video, the board introduced the squad while showcasing Bangladesh's World Cup jersey. Also read: Bangladesh suffers ODI series defeat to New Zealand Shakib Al Hasan will lead the team in the World Cup, with Najmul Hossain Shanto as his deputy. Consequently, Litton Das has been relieved of his vice-captaincy. Veteran Tamim Iqbal has not secured a spot in Bangladesh's World Cup squad, in a move that is certain to polarise opinions throughout the country. The left-handed opener, Bangladesh's highest run-scorer in international cricket across all three formats, has been grappling with a back injury, and didn't look fully convincing in the one complete outing he had in the just-concluded ODI series against New Zealand. Also read: Bangladesh's Fixtures for ICC World Cup 2023 Ultimately it has ruled him out of the tournament set to commence early next month in India. Fans will recall his dramatic retirement from all forms of the game hardly three months ago, that he was forced to revoke in the space of 24 hours with the intervention of the prime minister herself - partly in view of the World Cup being so near. Another veteran however, assuredly booked himself a ticket to India by presenting his calming presence in the middle during the New Zealand series, as batsmen kept committing harakiri all round him - Mahmudullah Riyad. Riyad, whose career looked to be over at more than one point as selectors could never make their minds up on his role, will get another shot at glory as a mainstay of the middle-order alongside his brother in law Mushfiqur Rahim. Both however have shown indifferent form in the lead up to the big event. Also read: Bangladesh's probable squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Right-arm pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has also been added to the squad. Along with him, Bangladesh announced a five-member pace-attack in this World Cup under the guidance of South African legend Alan Donald. Sakib is joined by Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and the two left-armers - Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam. Who might open? In the absence of Tamim, the obvious question would be who will take his place at the top of the batting order partnering Litton Das. From what has been tried till now, the two options would look to be trying youngster Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who opened in the 3rd ODI against the Kiwis, or promoting all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz up the order again, who has had some notable success in that position in limited overs cricket. Although Tanzid was tried, he failed to impress batting in the top order during the NZ series, including today as opener, scoring just 5. As things stand, the Miraz option might be most attractive. Vice captain Shanto, the team's in form batter, will hold down his favourite no.3 position in the order. Key figures of the Bangladesh cricket team held a late-night meeting at the residence of Nazmul Hasan, the board president, to deliberate on Tamim's inclusion in the World Cup. BCB sources confirmed that captain Shakib Al Hasan and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha were present in the meeting with Nazmul. They expressed reservations about including Tamim in the World Cup due to concerns regarding his injuries. In a sudden turn of events, Tamim’s elder brother, Nafis Iqbal, who served as the operational manager even in the third ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, was abruptly removed from his position. This year’s World Cup features a total of 10 teams. Aside from Bangladesh, only Sri Lanka had been awaiting the official squad announcement until Tuesday. Bangladesh World Cup 2023 squad: Shakib Al Hasan (Captain), Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib  

 Former Bangladesh cricketer Nafis Iqbal has been relieved of his duties as the national team's operations manager. Nafis signed the team sheet in the third ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand on Tuesday, suggesting he was removed while the match was still on. A source close to Nafis confirmed the development. However, Nafis was not available for immediate comment. Read: Bangladesh suffers ODI series defeat to New Zealand This development has coincided with the buzz in Bangladesh cricketing circles regarding his younger brother Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh's leading run-scorer in international cricket.  The buzz suggests he may be left out of the World Cup squad. Read: Shanto Hits Fifty, Bangladesh Tumble for 171 Following the T20 World Cup last year, Nafis was appointed to a staff role with the national team. Since then, there have been sporadic reports about his potential removal, though none had materialized until now. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has stated that the World Cup squad will be announced after the third and final ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, scheduled to take place in Mirpur on Tuesday. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Tamim will secure a spot in the World Cup squad. Unconfirmed sources have suggested that Tamim's inclusion in the Bangladesh World Cup team may be in doubt due to uncertainties surrounding his fitness. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) did not confirm the reason behind Nafis’ removal. Several attempts by UNB to get BCB’s comments went in vain, as no official was available for comment.