Tanvir Haider to lead Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Tuesday announced a 14-member team, to be led by Naimur Rahman, for the upcoming International Cricket Conference knock-out tournament in Kenya.

Announcing the team, Tanvir Haider, vice-president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, told reporters that opening batsmen Mehrab Hossain, who had a knee injury several months ago, was not included as he is not "hundred per cent fit".

"We have eight top order batsmen in the team and the opening batsman will be picked from amongst them," he said.

He added: "Fitness was the priority along with other needs as this will be the first international match for Bangladesh after gaining Test status."

The squad:

Naimur Rahman (captain), Khaleda Masud (wicket-keeper and vice-captain), Javed Omar, Shahriar Hossain, Habibul Bashar, Akram Khan, Aminul Islam, Al Shahrier, Enamul Huq, Hasibul Hossain, Manjurul Islam, Mohammad Rafiq, Mushfiqur Rahman and Bikash Ranjan Das.

After the ICC tournament, from October 3 to 15, Bangladesh will play several matches with South African teams and its first one-off Test in Dhaka against India, from November 10.

Mail Cricket Editor