Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hasan Papon Holds Key Role in World Cup 2023 Squad Selection.

When it comes to selecting the Bangladesh national team, the final decision often lies with Nazmul Hasan, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), who is known for his influential role. While the national selection panel, head coach, and captain are involved in the team selection process, no squad is deemed final without the approval of the BCB boss.

With the World Cup 2023 just a few months away, Nazmul has hinted at the potential composition of the 15-member Bangladesh squad for this major tournament. During a media interaction at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the Physically Challenged Cricket Tournament 2023, Nazmul revealed that the core of the squad has already been established.

Nazmul disclosed that the confirmed members of the squad include Tamim Iqbal, the captain of the Bangladesh one-day international team, along with Shakib al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, and the promising young talent Towhid Hridoy.
BCB President Nazmul Hasan Contemplates Inclusion of Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadot Hossain in World Cup Squad.

Nazmul Hasan believes that there should be a place for Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadot Hossain in the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming World Cup. During the media interaction, Nazmul, however, turned to the journalists present and handed them the responsibility of determining the remaining spots in the squad.

“I’m curious to know what you all are thinking,” said Nazmul. “I would like to hear your thoughts on the squad and the playing XI.”
There is much speculation regarding the inclusion of experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah in the squad. “We are pleased that the media is actively discussing the possible World Cup squad. It assists us in some ways, to be honest,” the BCB chief stated. “However, social media is a different story. There are many individuals with limited cricket knowledge who still share their opinions.”

Nazmul further commented, “If we decide to play with five bowlers, there is room to include an extra batsman. Currently, [Yasir Ali] Rabbi is part of the squad, but Mahmudullah, Afif [Hossain], and Mosaddek [Hossain Saikat] can also make it to the team at any given moment. In such a scenario, having an all-rounder in the XI is beneficial as it strengthens our bowling. But these are just my opinions; the final decision lies with Nannu [national chief selector Minhajul Abedin].”

Mahmudullah’s last appearance for Bangladesh in ODIs was during the home series against England in March earlier this year.
Mahmudullah’s Absence in Recent Series Raises Questions About World Cup Playing XI. Following Mahmudullah’s absence from two series, both home and away against Ireland, where a total of six ODIs were played, there is uncertainty surrounding his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Even if he secures a spot in the squad, it is likely that the experienced campaigner may not be selected for the playing XI.
Regarding the possibility of not choosing Mahmudullah in the playing XI, Nazmul emphasized the need to change such a negative mindset. “We have to move away from this mentality. The selection can be based on the batting form of Afif and Mahmudullah. Since his return from injury, Rabbi has struggled to perform well,” stated the BCB supremo.

“When considering bowling options, Afif and Mosaddek are ahead in the competition. Mahmudullah can also contribute with his bowling. In terms of fielding, Afif takes the top spot, followed by Mosaddek ahead of Mahmudullah,” concluded Nazmul.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet announced the deadline for announcing the World Cup squad. Given the tournament’s scheduled location in India, the ICC is facing a dilemma due to the political and cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, the two arch-rivals. Recently, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi, threatened that Pakistan would not participate in the World Cup unless India agrees to take part in the Asia Cup 2023, which is slated to be hosted by Pakistan.

As of now, the ICC has not even finalized the fixtures for the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in October-November this year.