Parvez Hossain Emon is set to bat at number four in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup after Bangladesh selectors finalised a 15-member squad for the global tournament. The move marks a significant role change for the left-handed batter, who has traditionally opened the innings.
Cricbuzz has learnt that Jaker Ali failed to retain his place in the squad due to inconsistent form, while Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was also left out despite strong performances in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. Najmul is currently the highest run-getter in the competition, scoring 203 runs in four matches at an average of 67.67 and a strike rate of 147.10.
The Bangladesh team management had requested Sylhet Strikers to demote Emon to number four in the BPL to assess his suitability for the role. The experiment appears to have worked, with Emon scoring 169 runs at an average of 84.50 and a strike rate of 159.43 in the middle order.
“I will have to adapt wherever I play,” Emon told Cricbuzz. “It is challenging, but I am enjoying it. For me, the team comes first more than anything else.”
Emon previously batted at number four in the series-deciding third T20I against Ireland, scoring an unbeaten 33 to help Bangladesh clinch the series. A member of the selection panel said Emon’s presence at four adds balance to the side, particularly as a left-handed option capable of handling spin effectively.
Bangladesh captain Litton Kumar Das also backed the move, stating that exposing players to different roles makes the team more adaptable in high-pressure tournaments.
Shamim Hossain, who was controversially left out of the first two T20Is against Ireland, has retained his place and is expected to play the finisher’s role. The squad was finalised following a meeting in Sylhet on December 31 and submitted to the ICC on January 1. Changes remain possible until January 20.
Selectors opted for an extra batter at the expense of a fast bowler, keeping in mind that all four of Bangladesh’s group matches will be played in India. The squad largely features players who have been regulars over the past six months, with no major surprises.
