Saqlain Sajib included in BCB's HP squad

The BCB has named a 24-member High Performance squad that will begin training from July 17 at the National Cricket Academy in Mirpur. It will be the first assignment for new High Performance coach Simon Helmot, who was appointed earlier this month.

Apart from the initial fitness and skill training phases, the HP squad is likely to work under specialist coaches and undertake a tour in September.

Seven players including Saqlain Sajib are in the squad for the second consecutive year. Saqlain is also one of two international players in the squad, the other being left-arm paceman Abu Hider.

Abdul Mazid, Al Amin, Mehedi Maruf, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Sunzamul Islam have been included on the back of a good DPL season. There are also six players who have graduated from the Under-19 team.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Noor Hossain and Tanveer Haider have been included because of Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha's affinity towards legspinners, though Tanveer is mainly a batsman.

Mahedi Hasan, who struck a century on the first day of the Dhaka Premier League, has also been included among the spinners. Paceman Ebadot Hossain is the only player to have no domestic experience. He appeared for City Club in Dhaka First Division Cricket League last season, but made a mark at the Robi Fast Bowler Hunt this year.

2016 High Performance squad: Shadman Islam, Mehedi Maruf, Abdul Mazid, Mehedi Hasan, Saif Hassan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Al Amin, Tasamul Haque, Sunzamul Islam, Noor Hossain, Tanveer Haider, Saqlain Sajib, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Alauddin Babu, Ashikuzzaman, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Subashis Roy, Nur Alam, Abu Hider, Dewan Sabbir, Ebadot Hossain, Irfan Sukkur, Zakir Hasan