Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has returned to the mix on Thursday (May 20), as Bangladesh announced a 15-member squad for the first two ODIs of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning on Sunday (May 23) in Dhaka.

Shakib, who last played an ODI against West Indies in January 2021, returned to the national squad for the home series against Sri Lanka after opting out of the New Zealand tour due to paternity leave and then missed the Test tour of the island nation in April to play in the IPL 2021.

Bangladesh has retained almost the same combination of the players that toured New Zealand in February-March 2021 for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka at home, barring Rubel Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Al Amin Hossain.

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The hosts also named Mohammad Naim, Taijul Islam, Shohidul Islam, and Aminul Islam Biplob as reserve players for the two ODIs of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh chief selector Minhajul Abedin stated: “We felt we don't need too many players for a home series. This is why some players have been rested. A few other players have been kept as standby. They would also remain in bio-bubble.”

The three ODIs against Sri Lanka will be played on May 23, May 25, and May 28 respectively at the one venue –Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. These games are part of ICC's ODI World Super League.

Bangladesh Squad: Tamim Iqbal (Capt), Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mhammad Mithun, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, and Shoriful Islam.

(With AFP Inputs)