Nidahas Trophy: Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of tri-series
In what is a huge blow to Bangladesh's hopes of lifting the Nidahas Trophy, star all-rounder and skipper Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of the tri-series. Shakib is still recovering from the finger injury he suffered earlier in the year, and will not be fit in time. The all-rounder did not feature in the series against Sri Lanka either.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board had named Shakib in their provisional squad, but have now decided to keep him away from the action in order to rest and recover fully. With the 30-year-old out of contention, Mahmudullah will take over the reigns of the side as they look to usurp their Asian neighbours India and Sri Lanka.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das will take Shakib's place in the squad. Liton has been in fine form in the domestic circuit, having amassed 386 runs from five innings.
Shakib, meanwhile, reportedly travelled to Bangkok to consult specialists after which it was revealed that it would take a further two weeks for his finger to fully heal.
Bangladesh squad for Nidahas Trophy: Mahmudullah (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Hider, Abu Jayed, Ariful Haque, Nazmul Islam, Nurul Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Liton Das
The Nidahas Trophy begins on March 6 with hosts Sri Lanka to take on India. All the matches will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.