Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, notably missing some of the team's key players. Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was left out of the squad, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim, and middle-order player Towhid Hridoy were all unavailable due to injuries. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BCB President Faruque Ahmed had previously indicated that Shakib was not in a mental state to contribute at the highest level, effectively ruling him out of the series even before the official squad announcement. However, Faruque expressed hope that Shakib could still participate in next year's Champions Trophy, after which the all-rounder is expected to retire from the ODI format. The West Indies series represents Bangladesh's last ODI fixture before the global tournament. In the absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who is recovering from a groin injury sustained during the ODI series agains t Afghanistan, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will take on the role of captain for the first time in ODIs. Mushfiqur Rahim will also miss the series due to a finger injury from the same competition, while Towhid Hridoy has been sidelined with groin issues, as confirmed by BCB's Medical Team. BCB Sports Physician Monzur Hossain Chowdhury stated that Hridoy's medical condition required rest, with a reassessment scheduled in two weeks to evaluate his readiness to return to play. Meanwhile, left-hand batter Afif Hossain Dhrubo has been recalled to the ODI squad after a year, replacing fellow left-hander Zakir Hasan, who was dropped despite being part of the recent series against Afghanistan in the UAE. Fast bowler Nahid Rana retained his place in the squad after an impressive ODI debut against Afghanistan. Bangladesh is set to play the three ODIs against the West Indies on December 8, 10, and 12 at Warner Park, Basseterre in St Kitts. Following the ODI series, the teams will compete in 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.
