Mashud under the scanner

Khaled Mashud, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, remains the object of speculation as Bangladesh's selectors sit to pick a squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. It is believed that the squad for the four ODIs in Zimbabwe in late January would mirror Bangladesh's selection for the World Cup, and Mashud's batting form and treatment by the selectors has raised eyebrows in certain quarters.

Almost an automatic selection for the past decade, Mashud's role in the ODI team has diluted with a loss of batting form. Mashud, 30, was retained in the squad for the last two matches of Bangladesh's 5-0 sweep of Zimbabwe in December, but did not play. He was then rested for the two ODIs against Scotland. In the recent domestic Twenty20 competition, Mashud was far from impressive, and his next challenge remains the upcoming Premier League competition at home.

Faruque Ahmed, Bangladesh's chief selector, told The Daily Star that it was too early to comment on Mashud's selection. "There is hardly any chance to see major changes in the team. But I think it is too early to say about any particular player. We will meet on Tuesday to discuss the squad for Zimbabwe," she said. "We should make a team for the Zimbabwe tour which will likely be the World Cup team because reality is that the players will get only a week after returning from the trip.

Ahmed has, in the past, expressed his optimism regarding Mushfiqur Rahim, seen as successor to Mashud behind the stumps. He added: "I won't say Mushfiqur did a tremendous job in his few appearances but I must say he showed signs that he has the ability to keep his place in the national side."

There was also debate as to whether a seam bowler should be picked over Farhad Reza, the young allrounder. "No doubt Farhad has done well so far and once again I can say it is too early to comment on any particular player," said Ahmed. "But it is true that we are thinking about including a genuine third seamer considering the conditions in the Caribbean."