Bangladesh opt for unchanged ODI squad despite newly formed selection panel

The Tigers beat Pakistan 2-1 in their last 50-over series last month and Bashar insists they want continuity in selection to keep the winning momentum.

There had been question marks about the opening pair of Saif Hassan and Afif Hossain, who averaged 17.33 and 19.00 respectively in three innings apiece against Pakistan.

"Bangladesh played good cricket in the last series," Bashar said. "There were players in the squad who didn't get a chance to play in the XI.

"We have set a policy that we want to give a player enough opportunities in the team. We don't want to exclude someone from the team without giving him adequate chances. We believe in continuity, which is why we kept the same team.

"Obviously, the previous selection committee had a plan. They included Saif as an opener in the last series. We want to settle that position in the team.

"We believe that three matches are not enough for a player. We want to give him some more chances. We don't want to chop and change. Saif Hassan will get that opportunity, and only then we can take a decision."

Five members of the Bangladesh ODI squad are currently playing in the Pakistan Super League but are expected to link up with the national squad ahead of the series opener on 17 April.

Bangladesh ODI squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana