BCB Announces Squad for T20 World Cup with Minor Surprises

Following a domestic series against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh women's national cricket team is now shifting its focus toward the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Ahead of the preparatory camp scheduled to begin on May 12, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officially announced the 15-member squad today, Sunday (May 10).

The squad features a few tactical changes, most notably the inclusion of newcomer Taj Nehar. Meanwhile, Sharmin Sultana has been dropped from the side that featured in the recent Sri Lanka series.

Nigar Sultana Joty will continue to lead the side, with Nahida Akter serving as her deputy. The squad maintains a balance of youth and experience:

• Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C & WK), Nahida Akter (VC), Dilara Akter (WK), Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter Supta, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trishna, Sultana Khatun, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Juairiya Ferdous, and Taj Nehar.

The 12-team tournament is set to commence in England on June 12. Bangladesh has been placed in the highly competitive Group 'A', often referred to as the "Group of Death," alongside six-time champions Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Group 'B' consists of the West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Scotland.

While the tournament opener will see hosts England face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12, Bangladesh will begin their campaign on June 14 against the Netherlands at the same venue. The Tigresses' group stage fixtures are as follows:

• June 14: vs Netherlands

• June 17: vs Australia

• June 20: vs Pakistan

• June 25: vs India

• June 28: vs South Africa

The team is expected to fly to England following their brief training camp at home to acclimate to the local conditions. With a mix of seasoned spinners and emerging fast bowlers like Marufa Akter, the team aims to improve their previous World Cup records on English soil.