Saif Hasan Set for Debut as He Earns First ODI Call-Up

Saif Hasan, a batsman in good form, has received his first ODI call-up as part of the 16-member squad announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi later this month.

As previously reported by Cricbuzz, Litton Das will miss the white-ball series against Afghanistan due to an injury. The squad of 16 remains largely similar to the team that participated in the ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, with two notable changes.

According to a statement from the BCB, “Litton Kumer Das is absent as he continues recovering from a side strain, and Parvez Hossain Emon has been excluded.”

“Right-handed batsman Saif Hassan has been called up to the ODI team for the first time. The 26-year-old has been selected due to his impressive recent performances in T20 internationals and is anticipated to strengthen the top order,” the statement added.

Five players – Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, and Nahid Rana – will head to the UAE tonight to link up with the rest of the squad.

Left-handed opener Md Naim Sheikh is awaiting visa clearance and will travel once it is granted. Soumya Sarkar, who is part of the Bangladesh T20I squad currently engaged in the series against Afghanistan, is also experiencing delays due to pending visa approval.

The ODI matches are scheduled at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 8, 11, and 14.

Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Md Naim Sheikh, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana