SPORTS REPORTER

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to take a few major decisions today, including determining the new ODI captain, in a meeting that will be presided over by the board president Nazmul Hassan Papon in Mirpur.

As things stand, star allrounder Shakib Al Hasan is in pole position to take up the reins of the Tigers’ ODI unit as Papon mentioned on Saturday that appointing Shakib would be the ‘easiest choice’ keeping in mind the Asia Cup later this month and the ODI World Cup in India in October-November.

According to sources, Papon and other board members will discuss the matter with Shakib, skipper of the Test and T20I sides, today and get his opinion on being in charge of the ODI side as well after Tamim Iqbal stepped down from the role last week.

Coach Chandika Hathurusingha is also slated to return to the country today, and the Sri Lankan is expected to be present in the vital meeting.

It was also learned that the selectors are expected to announce the 20-22 member preliminary squad today before revealing the main squad for the Asia Cup.

Apart from Shakib, wicketkeeper-batter and vice captain of the ODI side, Liton Das, was also considered as an option for the captaincy role. However, it was learned that the board remains concerned over handing the player the burden of leading the side in major events like the Asia Cup and the World Cup, especially considering his underwhelming form in the past year.

The captaincy issue aside, the board will also discuss appointing the team director for the upcoming events, with former Bangladesh captain and BCB director Khaled Mahmud Sujon reportedly being considered to assume the role once again. The board is also likely to discuss the inclusion of experienced Mahmudullah Riyad in the squad for the upcoming flagship events.