Bangladesh unveil squad for home ODI series against West Indies, Mahidul Islam Ankon earns maiden call-up

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning October 18 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The major highlight of the announcement was the inclusion of middle-order batter Mahidul Islam Ankon, who earned his maiden call-up to the national ODI side after consistent performances in domestic cricket.

The 25-year-old Mahidul, who has been a reliable performer in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), will look to seize the opportunity in Bangladesh’s revamped middle order. Meanwhile, opener Soumya Sarkar has made his comeback to the 50-over format, marking his return since his last appearance during the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

One of the notable absentees from the squad is Bangladesh’s T20I skipper Litton Das, who has been rested by the team management. The decision to bench Litton comes as part of Bangladesh’s workload management plan, ensuring he remains fully fit ahead of the upcoming T20I fixtures.

Opener Naim Sheikh and pacer Nahid Rana, who were part of the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan, have been left out of the setup. The selectors have instead opted for a mix of experience and youth, indicating a transitional phase as the team builds towards future ICC events.

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All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the side in the ODI format. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh will rely on its familiar core of players including Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman — all of whom have been consistent performers in recent series.

Mehidy’s leadership has earned praise in domestic and international circles for his composure and tactical awareness, and the West Indies series will offer him another chance to showcase his captaincy credentials.

All three matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on October 18, 21, and 23, respectively. Bangladesh will look to make full use of home conditions, especially with spinners like Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam expected to play crucial roles on turning tracks.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud

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