Mohammad Ashraful returned to the one-day squad despite his poor form when the national selectors announced a 15-member team for the Asia Cup, which will kick off in Sri Lanka on June 15. Ashraful was ignored for the home series against England due to an extended lean patch but was recalled for the Twenty20 World Cup and the two-match Test series in England and there was hardly any indication that the right-hander was back to his form.
"Ashraful is one of our key performers in limited overs cricket. He might not have scored big runs but he looked to get back his rhythm a little bit as he played a good innings in the Twenty20 World Cup and also scored some runs in the practice matches in England," defended chief selector Rafiqul Alam.
The Rafiqul Alam-led selection panel didn't make any massive changes in the team as only Jahurul Islam was drafted in the one-day side while left-arm pacer Syed Rasel was also recalled.
Middle-order batsman Aftab Ahmed was the only notable omission from the team.
"Chopping and changing is not good for a young team and that's why we hardly brought changes in the team. Aftab was dropped because he was not performing well and most importantly he was supposed to play a few matches for the A team but he didn't appear and we don't know the reason behind it," said Rafiqul.
The selectors picked up four pacers including spearhead Mashrafe Bin Mortaza for the regional championship but still Rafiqul believed that it was a spin-based side.
"Considering the conditions, we picked a spin-based team. On the other hand we took four pace bowlers as you know there are problems with injuries," said the former national cricketer.
Bangladesh will fly for Colombo on June 12 and launch their campaign against India on June 16. The Tigers take on hosts Sri Lanka on June 18 and face off with Pakistan on June 21.
All matches will be day-night and take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
BANGLADESH SQUAD:
Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (vice-captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Jahurul Islam, Junaed Siddiqui, Mohammad Ashraful, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Sohrawordi Shuvo.
