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Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chair of the National Selection Panel of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), announced the Bangladesh squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. There was much speculation about the inclusion of Saifuddin, who was in the squad submitted to the ICC on April 30th. Hossain stated that they waited until the Zimbabwe series to make a decision on Saifuddin's inclusion.
Hossain explained that they wanted to observe and analyze Saifuddin's performance in the Zimbabwe series. However, after considering the team's needs, they decided that Tanzim Hasan Sakib was a better fit for the squad. Hossain said that it was a close call between the two players, but Tanzim's dedication and hunger gave him the edge. He also highlighted Tanzim's excellent fielding abilities.
Regarding senior pacer Taskin Ahmed, Hossain said that he was picked despite injury concerns. The medical team informed the selectors that Taskin would be fit at some point during the T20 World Cup, which is why he is in the squad. Hossain stated that they will follow the ICC's policy if a replacement is needed.
Hossain expressed hope that the team would reach the second round of the tournament and beyond. He acknowledged that the batting form is a concern and emphasized the need to work hard to overcome this issue.
The Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup is as follows: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nurul Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Bangladesh will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on October 16th against Scotland. They will also face Oman and Papua New Guinea in the group stage.