Why Has Bangladesh Recalled Shamim Hossain for the Third T20I Against Ireland?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shamim Hossain is back in the squad for the last T20I against Ireland.
- Captain Litton Das publicly disagreed with the selectors' decision.
- Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain defended the initial exclusion citing team strategy.
- The series is currently tied at 1-1, increasing the stakes for the final match.
- Shamim's recent performance has been underwhelming but his return has raised questions.
New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Bangladesh has reinstated middle-order batsman Shamim Hossain for the third and final T20I against Ireland, a decision that comes after an unusual public rift between captain Litton Das and the national selectors. The match is set to take place on Tuesday.
This recall follows a recent statement by Litton, who publicly questioned Shamim’s exclusion from the team, indicating that neither he nor head coach Phil Simmons had been consulted. Litton expressed astonishment before the initial match, highlighting that captains are typically informed about selection decisions.
“It would have been more advantageous to have Shamim in the squad. However, this is beyond my control; it rests entirely with the selectors. I am unsure why Shamim was dropped without prior notice. Traditionally, a captain is aware of the players included and excluded from the team. There seems to be no justification for his exclusion. It would have been preferable if he were part of the team,” Litton remarked before the first game.
Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain downplayed the necessity of the captain’s approval, explaining that Shamim was omitted to provide Mahidul Islam Ankon an opportunity in the middle order. This comment seemed to exacerbate the existing tensions that have lingered since Litton was dropped from the ODI squad during last year’s Sri Lanka series.
Despite Shamim's recent poor form, with scores of 0, 0, 1, and 1 in his last four T20I innings, the sudden change from the selection committee has raised eyebrows, suggesting there may be more at play behind the scenes.
With the series currently tied at 1-1, all attention will now be on how Shamim reintegrates into a team facing both on-field challenges and off-field discord.
Bangladesh squad for third T20I against Ireland:
Litton Das (c & wk), Saif Hassan (vc), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Mahidul Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shamim Hossain