Bangladesh Cricket Squad Update: Lack of Depth Exposed

The repeated concern of a shallow player pool in Bangladesh cricket was evident once more with the announcement of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies, commencing on October 18. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Afghanistan in the UAE, modifications were anticipated in the 16-member squad, resulting in two adjustments. Mohammad Naim, an underperforming opener, was dropped, and due to Litton Das’s injury, Soumya Sarkar returned. Pacer Nahid Rana was replaced by middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman Mahidul Islam Ankon, earning his debut ODI callup. Notably, the struggling middle-order remained unchanged, with Ankon as the sole addition, highlighting a lack of fresh talent in the pipeline. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu mentioned in a video message the increased depth with Ankon’s inclusion, providing flexibility to the team management and captain to rotate players. Soumya, who missed the Afghanistan T20Is due to visa issues, last played ODIs in the ICC Champions Trophy against India this year. His return was not performance-based but due to limited options. Ankon’s DPL performance of 431 runs at an average of over 47 was overshadowed by the top run-scorers Anamul Haque Bijoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Naim, who are now out of the ODI picture. The cycle of player changes has not resulted in stability, raising questions about Ankon’s potential to break free from this pattern.