Veteran seamer Jahanara Alam opted out of the forthcoming three-match ODI and an equal number of T20I series against the West Indies as Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the women鈥檚 squad on Monday.
Jahanara returned to the ODI setup with the Ireland series in November last year, after a gap of 18 months, but decided to skip the series due to personal reasons.
鈥楯ahanara asked for a break for a couple of months due to personal reasons. She asked not to consider, particularly for this tour. She might return after playing in the domestic cricket,鈥� chief selector Sazzad Ahmed told 抖阴精品.
Lata Mondol and Fariha Islam have been called into the squad in place of Jahanara and Ritu Moni, who also featured in the Ireland series.聽
Pacer Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, and Farzana Hauqe were included in the T20I fold while Jannatul Ferdus was dropped from the last squad that suffered a 3-0 T20I series sweep at home against Ireland.
Sobhana Mostary was excited about their first-ever away series in the West Indies. The right-hander wants to secure the ODI series to ensure direct qualification for the World Cup in India.
鈥榃e are very excited for the first-ever West Indies away series. It will be challenging, but we will try our best to adapt to their condition and weather,鈥� said Mostary.
鈥榃e have to win the ODI series. If we can secure two of the three matches, then we will earn direct qualification for the 50-over World Cup. It is a very important series for us.鈥�
Mostary believes they can replicate the men鈥檚 team鈥檚 success, who recently won their first T20I away series against the Caribbean.
鈥業鈥檓 very excited because the men鈥檚 team had an outstanding series. We are hopeful of achieving similar results,鈥� she added.
Nigar Sultana Joty-led side will reach St Kitts on 14 January. They will take on the hosts in their first ODI on January 19 before the second and third matches on January 21 and 24.聽
After the ODI series, the teams will play a three-match T20I series on January 27, 29, and 31.聽
Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Murshida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter.