Mahmudullah has been benched by Bangladesh’s selectors for the first two One-Day Internationals against Ireland because they prefer to give other players a chance to perform at the top level. Mahmudullah, a 218-ODI veteran who has retired from Test cricket and is no longer expected to play for Bangladesh in T20 internationals, made 71 runs in Bangladesh’s three ODI victories over England earlier this month.
“Mahmudullah has had a rest. We have provided a platform for the others to succeed at the highest level. Zakir has been prospering. Shoriful is coming back because he is fully healthy. In a World Cup year, this is actually the best moment to assess everyone’s performance “Minhajul Abedin, the BCB’s chief selector, remarked.
In addition, the selectors have substituted Zakir Hasan and Yasir Ali for Shamim Hossain and Taijul Islam, as well as left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and left-arm fast Shoriful Islam.
Yasir has been a part of the white-ball setup since early 2022, while Zakir made his debut Test century against India. As a like-for-like replacement for Taijul, Nasum, Shoriful Islam, or a slightly underperforming Mustafizur Rahman, respectively, might be included.
With Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim among the veterans, Tamim Iqbal will captain the team. Together with Tamim, Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto will bat in the top order, but there is rivalry for spots in the middle order. There will be competition between Afif Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, and Yasir for one or two seats.
Two of Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, and Shoriful are likely to be selected as part of the speed assault, which will be led by Taskin Ahmed. At his birthplace of Sylhet, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will bat at No. 8 and bowl offspin, leaving Nasum Ahmed as the backup spin option.
On Sunday, Ireland already arrived at Sylhet. Prior to the ODI series, which will take place in Sylhet on March 18, 20, and 23, they will play a practice match on March 15.
