The Bangladesh cricket team has started its training in the UAE ahead of a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and other players trained at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 4, using the series as preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
However, two key players, left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and fast bowler Nahid Rana, are yet to join the squad due to visa issues. Cricbuzz reported that Shahriar Nafees, the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) cricket operations manager, confirmed that the duo would travel to the UAE once their visas are approved. Despite this delay, the team management had not initially planned to include either player in the first ODI lineup.
Nasum Ahmed, who hasn’t played for Bangladesh in nearly a year, and Nahid Rana, yet to make his white-ball debut, have recently focused on other formats. Rana, a right-arm pacer, debuted in Test cricket earlier this year and has since played five matches. Their absence in the opening ODI should not affect the team’s core strategy, given the management’s intent to rest them.
The BCB recently announced a 15-member squad for the series, notably excluding Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will serve as vice-captain under Shanto’s leadership. The squad includes Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the first ODI on November 6, followed by matches on November 9 and November 11.
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