The announcement of Bangladesh’s latest ODI squad has triggered renewed debate over team selection, as several high-performing players have been left out while others returned to the side with limited recent form.
Enamul Haque Bijoy excluded despite strong domestic run
Enamul Haque Bijoy scored consecutive hundreds on April 23 in the Dhaka Premier League and finished as the top run-scorer, despite fewer innings. He was picked for the Test squad and made 39 on debut vs. Sri Lanka.
But despite his recent achievements in white-ball cricket, Bijoy was left out of the ODI squad. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz set to return from illness, Bijoy is also expected to be dropped from the second Test.
Selection panel chief Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu did not offer a detailed explanation for Bijoy’s omission.
Mosaddek Hossain sidelined due to Miraz’s presence
Mosaddek Hossain, who topped the wicket charts and often finished games with the bat, didn’t make the squad. He was named Player of the Tournament as Abahani took the title.
When questioned, Lipu admitted Mosaddek was in the board’s “bigger picture” but pointed out that as long as Miraz remains in the team, Mosaddek has “no chance.”
That remark has drawn concern from fans and former players, who see it as a blow to player confidence. Miraz, now ODI captain, is considered a core all-rounder in both formats.
Mosaddek is expected to play for the Bangladesh A team in a tour to Darwin later this year.
Sohan’s absence raises eyebrows
Nurul Hasan Sohan, also overlooked, has recently led teams with success and delivered strong batting performances across formats. He scored centuries in both first-class and ODI formats in recent series, including during Bangladesh A’s matches against New Zealand.
The selectors cited a surplus of wicketkeeper-batters as the reason for Mosaddek’s exclusion. Liton Das, previously dropped for poor form, was brought back.
Liton was picked to regain form before the T20 World Cup, where he’s expected to lead, Lipu explained.
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Shamim Hossain’s return sparks discussion
Shamim Hossain’s selection raised eyebrows. He hasn’t played an ODI since 2023 and has struggled in both T20s and the Premier League.
Still, selectors pointed to a few standout innings in the DPL, including an unbeaten 98, as the reason for his return. His inclusion over more consistent performers like Mosaddek added to the criticism.
Naim Sheikh earns praise for consistency
In contrast, Naim Sheikh’s selection was widely supported. Over the last year and a half, he has delivered in all domestic formats. His steady performance at the top of the order made his inclusion virtually uncontested.
Selectors see him as part of a future opening trio with Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Naim may also play in the middle order in the upcoming series, with Nazmul Hossain Shanto likely to retain the number four spot.
Selection strategy and future outlook
The announcement has left many wondering if the selection panel is prioritizing player development, loyalty, or form. With the Asia Cup and Pakistan series approaching, some players may get another shot.
And look, you’ve got players like Enamul, Mosaddek, and Sohan just sitting at home now, their careers in limbo. The front office is trying to ride out the storm, but the media and the fans are absolutely hammering them.
That pressure is probably their only real shot at getting back in the squad. But all that is just noise. The real conversation happens on the pitch. You perform, you stay. You don’t, you’re out. It’s as simple as that.
