The 2023 Asia Cup started with a match between Pakistan and Nepal. There was a lot of discussion and criticism about this year's Asia Cup, but in the end, the Asia Cup is being built on the field. This year's Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but due to various complications, all the matches except a few matches will be held in Sri Lanka. However, this year's Asia Cup opening match will be held in Pakistan. The teams are already ready to fight in the field after completing all their preparations!
The number of teams that have made it to the final round in this year's Asia Cup is six. Bangladesh is one of those countries. Bangladesh team, who have never won a trophy in the history of the Asia Cup, are looking forward to winning their first title. The team has played the final of the Asia Cup three times but has not seen the coveted trophy. There are many regrets and stories about not getting the team around this Asia Cup. Bangladesh came close to winning against Pakistan and India but lost. Can Bangladesh win the coveted trophy?
This year's Asia Cup will be difficult for Bangladesh. Compared to the previous seasons, this version has several changes. After passing the group stage, the teams have to make it to the Super Four. Where the best four teams of the season will meet. A team has to be in the top two positions at the end of the Super Four round to qualify for the final. That means the teams will be the best of the best in the finals. As such, it will be difficult for Bangladesh to beat teams like India and Pakistan to reach the finals. But not impossible!
Bangladesh announced their squad a few days ago for the Asia Cup. Where fans have witnessed several surprises. An experienced batsman like Mahmudullah Riyad was not kept in the 17-man squad. On the other hand, Enamul Haque Bijay, who performed well in the domestic league, did not get a place. However, there are rumors that Enamul has been called up to the team again due to the illness of opener Liton Kumar Das. As an opener and wicketkeeper, this player, who was once a star of Bangladesh, is getting opportunities.
Another big surprise in the Bangladesh Asia Cup squad was the presence of Naeem Sheikh. Many may not have expected this player in the 17-man squad. However, the Bangladesh team management wants to give another chance to this player who performed well in the domestic league. Besides, Tamjid Hasan Tamim, who won the World Cup for the under-19 team, got a place in the team as a young player.
Star bowler Ebadat Hossain is not playing despite getting a place in the Asia Cup squad. He is not staying in this year's Asia Cup due to injury. Besides the Asia Cup, this bowler may not be seen on the field in the World Cup. The Bangladesh team did not expect his absence at such an important time. Moreover, there has been a change in the captaincy of the Bangladesh team. Instead of Tamim Iqbal, the captain is now the world's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Will Shakib be able to bring Bangladesh its first Asia Cup title?
Bangladesh Cricket: The Tigers