Mugdha replaces Taskin as last-minute change in Dhumketu squad

Although Bangladesh will not be present on the World Cup stage, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is taking a domestic initiative to maintain the flow of competitive cricket. Amid international commitments and security-related realities, the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup is being organized to give match exposure to national team players and those on the fringes. However, just ahead of the tournament, a change has been made to the Dhumketu squad.

Due to security concerns, the Bangladesh government decided not to send the team to India for the T20 World Cup. Following that decision, the ICC excluded Bangladesh from the World Cup. In this context, the BCB opted to organize the T20 tournament to keep national cricketers match-fit and engaged in a competitive environment.

Last Sunday, the BCB announced the squads of the three teams participating in the tournament. National team pacer Taskin Ahmed was initially named in the Dhumketu squad. However, due to physical illness, he will not be taking part in the tournament. Taskin is suffering from sinus-related issues and has therefore been advised to rest.

Replacing Taskin, pacer Mukidul Islam Mugdha has been newly included in the Dhumketu squad. On Wednesday (4 February) afternoon, Taskin himself confirmed his unavailability for the tournament through a post on social media.

Explaining his physical condition and wishing his teammates well, Taskin wrote on Facebook,
“Assalamu Alaikum, due to some physical illness (sinus infection), I will not be able to participate in the upcoming ‘Odommo Bangladesh’ exciting T20 tournament organized by the BCB. Best wishes to everyone who is participating. With Allah’s mercy and all your prayers, I hope to return to the field soon, Insha’Allah!”

Despite the change in the squad, the Dhumketu team is still being viewed as a strong unit. With a blend of experienced and young cricketers, the BCB expects the team to deliver competitive performances in the tournament.

Dhumketu squad at a glance:
Liton Kumar Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saif Hasan (vice-captain), Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mukidul Islam Mugdha, Shoriful Islam.