The Bangladesh cricket landscape has been rattled by a public disagreement between T20I captain Litton Das and Chief National Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain just days before the start of the three-match T20I series against Ireland on November 27 in Chattogram.
The core of the dispute is the controversial exclusion of all-rounder Shamim Patowary from the squad.
The Captain’s Grievance
Speaking to reporters, Captain Litton Das expressed his utter frustration at being marginalized from the selection process, despite his crucial role in leading the team.
“Naturally, it would have been preferable if Shamim was included. However, the decision was not mine—it rests solely with the selectors,” Litton stated. “I was not formally informed about Shamim’s omission. I have always maintained that a captain should be aware of incoming and outgoing players, but now I’ve been clearly instructed to manage the squad that is provided to me.”
Litton stressed that while the exclusion won’t disrupt the team’s balance, it creates unnecessary internal disappointment, especially since Shamim had been part of the long-term plan: “We were attempting to build a settled unit. Shamim performed exactly what we required in several past series. His absence is regrettable for him and, as captain, for me.”
Selector’s Justification: The Final Authority
In response, Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain dismissed Litton’s public allegations, confirming that due process was followed, and the selectors maintain final authority.
Ashraf detailed that Litton was consulted regarding Shamim during the recent Test match in Dhaka.
“I personally asked him for his view on Shamim Patowary and his recent performance,” Ashraf recounted. “He expressed a wish to retain the player in the squad. I acknowledged his input, but reminded him of the recent results.”
The selector emphasized that the final decision was a collective choice based on data and team vision: “Based on his very recent performances—scoring only two runs in his last four innings and suffering four ducks in eight games—Shamim simply did not merit selection for the first two matches. We must transmit a clear message that players need to improve.”
Ashraf was firm that seeking the captain’s opinion does not equate to requiring the captain’s approval. The selectors made the call to bench Shamim to test other middle-order options, including Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan.
This incident underscores the existing tension between Litton and the current selection panel, a dynamic that reportedly dates back to Litton’s temporary removal from the ODI squad in 2024.
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