Windies’ tour to Bangladesh: ‘No drastic changes to the squad’

The selectors are set to announce a 24-member Bangladesh preliminary squad today for the home series against the West Indies.

The visitors are scheduled to arrive on January 10 to take part in the three-match ODI and two-match Test series.

The Tigers played their last international match back in March 2019 against Zimbabwe and since then their cricket has been limited to two domestic tournaments in late 2020.

According to chief selector Minhajul Abedin, they have already chalked out a 17-member Bangladesh squad for the ODIs and Tests.

"Although we have already chalked out 17 players for the upcoming ODI and Test series, we have decided to call 24 cricketers for the camp to take extra measures for coronavirus as some will also take part in the warm-up game against the West Indies," Minhajul told The Daily Star yesterday.

Minhajul said there would not be any drastic changes to the squad. West Indies are scheduled to play a warm-up match on January 18 before the ODI series begins from January 20.

"It will be a big challenge for the boys to return to International cricket after a long gap and it's not easy at all. We might want to have a look at a few newcomers but the majority of the squad will consist of the regular players. Many are saying they [West Indies] are an inexperienced side but ultimately we will be playing international cricket and whoever we are up against we have to play our best," he said.

Members of the preliminary squad are scheduled to undergo Covid-19 testing on January 7 and depending on the results, the players will start to check in to the team hotel the same day.

Meanwhile, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned to Bangladesh yesterday. The champion cricketer had gone to the United States before the final of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup last month for personal reasons.

Shakib will be making his comeback to international cricket in the series against the West Indies and the top-ranked cricketer admitted that it would not be easy for him.

"This comeback is totally different. I was disappointed that I could not go to Sri Lanka [for a tour that was eventually postponed]. Thanks to the West Indies for coming here and I am excited about it. I am happy that I am returning to international cricket. There is no pressure on me, but it won't be easy and I will try to recapture my old form. If we cannot do well against the West Indies, it will be disappointing," said Shakib upon his arrival to the country yesterday.