World Cup 2019: BCB to announce squad by April second week

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed is still recovering from the ankle injury and could be a late addition; Shakib Al Hasan's IPL workload is being monitored.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has planned a camp on April 24 after the squad is picked.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to announce the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup by April second week, following which the contingent will head for a camp.

“Our domestic 50-over tournament, Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, will get over next month. We are trying to announce the squad by April 15 to April 20,” BCB selector Habibul Bashar confirmed the development to Sportstar.

“The camp will start by April 24. The tri-nation series in Ireland (in May) will be a good preparation series for the World Cup,” he added.

Read: Imran Khan worried about Pakistan cricket team’s WC preparation

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed’s ankle injury is a concern for the BCB, but they are not hurrying the youngster’s recovery. “Taskin has not started to bowl yet, it is making us think. He has not stepped on to the ground yet. He is expected to start bowling from next month. We can wait for him. We still have two months time, maybe we can draft him in the World Cup squad a little later. We can always take one extra player,” said Bashar.

IPL and workload

Workload of World Cup hopefuls in the Indian Premier League has been a talking point since the start of the league. Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad is being monitored from across the border.

BCB selector Habibul Bashar is hopeful of picking a fully fit squad for the World Cup (File photo).

 

“Our people have been keeping a tab. Shakib is mature enough to balance the workload and take care of his body. He understands the importance of a World Cup. He knows the importance of representing nation. You never know whether he will be around four years later. World Cup is always a special occasion,” reasoned Bashar.

The BCB didn’t risk Mustafizur Rahman in IPL 2019 due to fitness concerns. “We had to take a few tough decisions as the World Cup comes once in four years. We have to take care of the players’ workload and their injuries. We want our players to play, you won’t get opportunities like an IPL but Mustafizur is injury-prone and we wanted to keep him fresh. He still hasn’t regained the rhythm.

“But rest of them are all fine; hopefully, we will be able to get a fully fit squad,” he said.

The World Cup starts from May 30 in the UK.