Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim (L), Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam pose before departure at the Hazrat Shahjalal Airport today. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED
In less than a month after facing Ireland at home for a full series, Bangladesh team are expected to be in England by tonight as the Irish side await to lock horns with the Tigers in a three-match ODI series, part of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League.
One-half of the Bangladesh contingent boarded the first flight to London at 1.40 am on Sunday midnight, comprising a majority of the team management alongside Yasir Ali and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The second group, involving a majority of cricketers, the likes of skipper Tamim Iqbal and others, took the morning flight at 10.15 am today.
As far as the ones engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are concerned, Liton Das, who featured for Kolkata Knight Riders but had to return back prematurely due to a family emergency, is expected to join the Tigers on May 2. Mustafizur Rahman, too, is also expected to leave the Delhi Capitals camp on the same day to reunite with his compatriots in England.
Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently in the United States with his family, is expected to join the Tigers ahead of their only practice game, slated for May 5.
Tamim and his troops will encounter Ireland in the series opener on May 9, while the remaining games are scheduled on May 12 and 14, respectively, and will also be hosted by Chelmsford.
Leading up to the tour, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha conducted a brief three-day training camp in Sylhet.
