DHAKA, Dec 2, 2024 (BSS)-The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today announced the squad for three-match ODI series against West Indies without some key players.

Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was not able to make room in the squad while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim and vital cog in middle order Towhid Hridy all were unavailable due to their respective injuries.

As stated by BCB president Faruque Ahmed earlier "Shakib seemed not to be in mental state to contribute for the side in the highest level", the all rounder's fate was sealed before the official announcement of the squad. 

Faruque, however, said Shakib still has the ability to play the next year's Champions Trophy after which the all-rounder is believed to retire from ODI format. But the West Indies series is Bangladesh's last ODI fixture ahead of the global tournament.

After completing his maiden captaincy assignment in the Test series, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will now lead the Bangladesh side in ODIs for the first time in the absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto, the board declared while announcing the team.

Shanto is still recovering from a groin injury, which he sustained during the ODI series against Afghanistan last month.

Mushfiqur Rahim's absence stemmed from a finger injury sustained also during the same series.

Towhid Hridoy, a constant feature in the Bangladesh middle-order in white ball cricket, has also been declared unavailable by the BCB's Medical Team as he is struggling with groin issues. 

"Hridoy had complained of pain in his right groin region and subsequent investigations have confirmed the presence of a medical condition," BCB Sports Physician Monzur Hossain Chowdhury said.

"He has been advised rest and we will reassess him in two weeks to determine his readiness to play," he added.
 
Left-hand batter Afif Hossain Dhrubo, meanwhile, received a call-up to the ODI squad after a gap of one year. His previous ODI fixture for Bangladesh was in December 2023. 

Fellow left-hander Zakir Hasan, who was in the team in last month's ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE, has been dropped. 

But fast bowler Nahid Rana kept his place after impressing in his ODI debut against the same opponent. 

Bangladesh's three ODIs against West Indies are scheduled on December 8, 10 and 12. All of the matches will be taken place at Warner Park, Basseterre in St Kitts. The ODI series will be followed by three T20 Internationals. 

Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Liton Das (WK), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana