Gazi omitted from Bangladesh World Cup probables

Offspinner Sohag Gazi, who was recently suspended from bowling in international cricket due to an illegal action, has been left out of Bangladesh's 30-member, preliminary squad for the World Cup. Gazi has been undergoing remedial work on his action, since his suspension in October and has also played domestic matches. He recently picked up a five-for for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the Dhaka Premier Division.

With Gazi out, the Bangladesh selectors picked five specialist spinners including Abdur Razzak, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. Razzak last played an international game in August. Among the 10 pace bowlers, three are allrounders - Ziaur Rahman, Muktar Ali and Soumya Sarkar.

Nasir Hossain, who was not picked for the home series against Zimbabwe due to poor form, has been included in the preliminary squad, while Shamsur Rahman, who averaged below ten in the Test series, is also in contention for a World Cup spot.

Mohammad Mithun and youngster Litton Das have been picked as back-up wicketkeepers for Mushfiqur Rahim, a pattern that chief selector Faruque Ahmed said was followed in all departments in the squad.

"I believe we have picked the strongest 30 available to us at the moment," Faruque said. "We have concentrated on creating back-ups for every position because it will be a long tournament. We have a good balance in the side with all areas covered. Most of the players who have been in or around the national team during the last six or seven months have been given a chance. There is a noticeable blend of youth and experience.

"The conditions in Australia and New Zealand will be a challenge for all the subcontinental teams, including Bangladesh. We cannot create those conditions here and that's why we have selected players based on performances in competitions they have appeared in and our intuition."