Middle-order batsman Roqibul Hassan received his much awaited call for the national team when the Bangladesh Cricket Board included him in their 30-member preliminary squad on Wednesday for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka from September.
Out of the national setup since the home series against Australia in 2010, the right-hander from Jamalpur pushed his way back in the squad after presenting his capability in the shortest format recently.
Often neglected for his slow-scoring nature, Roqibul played a blistering 41-ball 160 run innings to help the Bangladesh A team defeat the national side in the practice match.
Roqibul, who was even not considered by any franchises in the inaugural edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was on a murderous mood in front of the national team management at the National Cricket Academy ground.
He was definitely out on a mission, a mission to prove his capability of scoring quickly and claim his spot in the preliminary squad.
Since his debut in 2008 against South Africa, Roqibul played only five T20 Internationals and gathered just 51 runs with a strike rate of 82.25.
‘He played brilliantly in the practice match against the national team and showed that he is in good touch,’ said national selector Habibul Bashar.
‘The way he batted was awesome and we considered that while including him in the preliminary squad for the World Cup. Apart from that as the coach had earlier mentioned there are some places which are still open and we agree to that too,’ said Habibul.
Along with Roqibul, off-spinner Sohag Gazi, pace bowler Kazi Kamrul and all-rounder Sabbir Rahman also made their way while Nazimuddin was left out from the preliminary squad announced by the BCB.