Photo courtesy: IANS
Veteran left-arm spin all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to lead Bangladesh as the captain for the upcoming Asia Cup and Men’s ODI World Cup, marking his return to the leadership role. The decision comes after Tamim Iqbal, the previous skipper, stepped down due to a back injury, creating an opportunity for Shakib to guide the team in these crucial cricket tournaments.
Shakib Al Hasan’s appointment as captain in all three formats reinforces his pivotal role in Bangladesh’s cricket leadership. He took over as the captain of the Test and T20I teams last year, and his extensive experience and leadership qualities make him a natural choice for the role.
In his previous stint as ODI captain between 2009 and 2017, Shakib led Bangladesh in 52 matches, including the 2011 ODI World Cup. Under his captaincy, the team secured victories in 23 matches while facing defeat on 26 occasions.
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Shakib’s return as captain arrives at a pivotal juncture for Bangladesh’s ODI cricket endeavors. The team is set to participate in the highly anticipated Asia Cup, commencing on August 30 and concluding on September 17. Following this, Bangladesh will engage in an ODI series against New Zealand on home turf, starting from September 21.
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The crowning moment of Bangladesh’s ODI calendar will be the Men’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 17. The team’s campaign in the tournament will commence with a match against Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on October 7. Subsequently, they will face defending champions England at the same venue on October 10.
The decision to entrust Shakib Al Hasan with the captaincy for these crucial events reflects the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the team effectively. The President of BCB, Nazmul Hassan, expressed his optimism in Shakib’s leadership, highlighting his exemplary performance and experience as assets that will galvanize the team.
As Bangladesh prepares for these significant cricketing challenges, Shakib’s leadership is poised to guide the team towards a successful campaign in the Asia Cup and the Men’s ODI World Cup, fostering excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts.
-IANS
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