The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled to be held from October 3 to 20 in the UAE. The squad includes newcomer Taj Nehar.
In a unique approach, the squad was revealed through a video message. After an opening speech by the head of BCB's women's wing Habibul Bashar, 10 expatriate Bangladeshis from 10 different countries announced the names of the 15 players. Bangladesh men's team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto announced the final name and extended his best wishes to the Tigresses.
Taj, 26, is yet to play an international match, was part of the Bangladesh 'A' team for the tour of Sri Lanka. She scored 234 runs in eight matches in the ODI edition of the Premier League. In addition, uncapped 20-year-old all-rounder Disha Biswas has also been included in the squad. Sobhana Mostari, Fahima Khatun and Sathi Rani are making their return to the team.
Jahanara Alam and Rumana Ahmed were recalled to the Asia Cup squad last July in preparation for the World Cup. However, Rumana did not make the cut for the World Cup squad. The other players omitted are Rubaiya Haider, Sharifa Khatun, Ishma Tanzim and Sabiqun Nahar.
The T20 World Cup was initially set to take place in Bangladesh but after a recent political upheaval, several participating countries expressed concerns about traveling to Bangladesh. As a result, the venue was shifted to the UAE.
The Tigresses will face Scotland in the opening match of the tournament on October 3, followed by matches against England on October 5, West Indies on October 10 and South Africa on October 12.
Squad: Nigar Sultana (captain), Nahida Akhtar, Murshida Khatun, Swarna Akhtar, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostari, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akhtar, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akhtar, Taj Nehar, Sathi Rani, Disha Biswas.
