Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal is surprised over the decision of Zimbabwe Cricket not announcing a squad for the ODI series, despite having less than 24 hours left for the first game.
Visiting Bangladesh are set to lock horns with hosts Zimbabwe in the first of three ODIs at Harare Sports Club Friday at 9:30am local time.
But the home cricket board was yet to announce the squad when Tamim revealed his frustration to the media during the press conference Thursday afternoon.
Tamim following a query from a Zimbabwe media personnel on how his team are preparing for the game, said, “I do not know how to comment as we still don’t know who we are playing against.
“We have less than 24 hours for the game but we still do not know about the opponent team.
“This incident is unique. Usually we have team meetings planning on the opposition players’ batting and bowling. But what do we do in a meeting when you do not know the opponent team. I am surprised to be honest."
Zimbabwe had missed captain Sean Williams and Craig Ervine in the solitary Test last week as the duo were ruled out from selection for the game after they were forced to quarantine having come in contact with Covid-19 positive individuals.
Tamim informed that they are unsure if the two experienced Zimbabwe campaigners will be available for the ODIs.
“As far as I know, for any cricketer to play this series has to be in 10-day quarantine in the team hotel. I have not seen them [Williams and Ervine] in the hotel. Someone from ZC or those who are in charge of maintaining the Covid-19 protocol will be able to tell better," said Tamim.
ZC had not announced the squad when this report was filed Thursday evening in Dhaka.
The three ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.
The second and third matches of the series will be played Sunday and Tuesday respectively.
The ODIs will be followed by a three-match T20 series, scheduled to be played on July 23, 25 and 27.
The full series is being played at Harare Sports Club behind closed doors.
