Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon has explained that Soumya Sarkar’s omission from the Test squad for the Dhaka match against the West Indies was primarily intended to give the batter more playing time in domestic first-class cricket rather than being a decision based solely on form.

According to Bashar, Soumya was unlikely to feature in the playing XI because Bangladesh were expected to retain their regular opening pair. The selection committee therefore decided that he would benefit more from playing a first-class match than sitting on the bench as a reserve.

“Our regular opening pair will probably play in the Test. In that case, Soumya’s chances of getting into the XI were quite low,” Bashar said.

“We wanted him to play a first-class match instead of sitting in the squad. That is also why we did not include an additional third opener, so that everyone can play first-class cricket and maintain match practice.”

Khaled Ahmed Also Left Out

Fast bowler Khaled Ahmed has also been omitted from the Test squad as the selectors opted for four pace bowlers.

Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud are joined by Taskin Ahmed, who has returned to the squad. The selectors believe four fast bowlers are sufficient for the upcoming Test.

Bashar explained that Khaled’s chances of featuring in the playing XI would have been limited had he been included, making domestic first-class cricket a better option for him at this stage.

“With our main three pacers and Taskin Ahmed returning, four fast bowlers are enough for the squad. That is why Khaled has not been selected this time,” Bashar said.

“We wanted those who are unlikely to get a place in the XI to play first-class matches and keep themselves prepared.”

Opportunities in Upcoming Series

Bashar added that players could be brought back into the squad according to the team’s requirements for future assignments, including the tour of South Africa and other upcoming series.

The selection approach reflects the committee’s intention to keep players outside the playing XI match-ready through domestic cricket rather than having them spend a Test match on the sidelines.