Liton, Shakib miss out as Bangladesh announce Champions Trophy squad

Dhaka, Jan 12 (IANS) Litton Das has been left out of the 15-member Bangladesh squad for the Champions Trophy. A major name missing from the lineup was former skipper and veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy, which will be held next month in Pakistan and the UAE

Liton's axing comes after a series of disappointing performances in ODIs, where he has failed to score a half-century in his last 13 innings and has been dismissed for single-digit scores six times in his last seven innings.

Shakib has been left out of the squad after being suspended from bowling in competitions due to an illegal action. He failed a second test of his bowling action. Although he was eligible to play solely as a batter, but Bangladesh have opted not to include him in the squad.

The squad will also be missing out on the services of Tamim Iqbal, who recently called time on his international career and was among the leading run-getters in the previous edition of the tournament as Bangladesh made it to the semi-finals.

Among the senior names, Mushfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Mahmudullah have cemented their place. Top-order batter Towhid Hridoy also returned to the mix after recovering from the return from injury along with Mustafizur Rahman.

Parvez Hossai Emon, who has seven T20I outings under his belt, received his maiden ODI call-up. Nahid Rana, who made his debut in the format in the recent series against the West Indies, has also been entrusted to be in the squad.

Bangladesh are grouped with India, New Zealand and Pakistan in Group A. They will play their first game against India in Dubai on February 20.

Bangladesh's Champions Trophy Squad: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana