Shakib Al Hasan returns as Bangladesh’s skipper for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup

Dhaka, Aug 11 (IANS) Veteran left-arm spin all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made a return as Bangladesh’s new skipper ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and Men’s ODI World Cup.

He replaces Tamim Iqbal, who had stepped down from the role earlier this month after being ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a back injury. Tamim had earlier announced his retirement from international cricket on July 6 but reversed the decision following a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Shakib was the obvious choice to captain Bangladesh when the position fell vacant. I am very confident that his exemplary performance, experience, and leadership qualities will galvanise the team as we head into two massive events like the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” said Nazmul Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), in a statement.

Shakib is now the Bangladesh captain in all three formats after being appointed as captain of the Test and T20I teams last year. Shakib, 36, has previously led Bangladesh in 52 ODIs between 2009 and 2017, including captaining the team in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Under him, Bangladesh won 23 ODIs while ending up on the losing side on 26 occasions.

Shakib’s appointment comes at a time when Bangladesh are facing critical months of ODI cricket action. They will be playing in the Asia Cup that starts on August 30 and runs till September 17, followed by the ODI series against New Zealand at home starting from September 21.

It will be followed by the Men’s ODI World Cup which happens in India from October 5 to November 17. Bangladesh will open its 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup campaign against Afghanistan at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on October 7, followed by facing defending champions England at the same venue on October 10.