The Bangladesh Cricket Board unveiled its 15‑member Bangladesh ODI squad for the upcoming three‑match series against the West Indies on October 15, 2025, from its headquarters in Mirpur, Dhaka. Matches will kick off on October 25 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, with the final game set for October 30 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The clout of the series lies in its status as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, where each win nets ten points toward the 2027 World Cup qualifying race.
The standout inclusion is Soumya Sarkar, a 32‑year‑old left‑handed opener from Bogra, who earned his spot after a grade‑two hamstring tear forced six weeks of rehab at the National Cricket Academy. Chief selector Minhajul Abedin said, “Soumya’s match‑fitness certificate was cleared on October 14 and his recent DPL run of 327 runs at an average of 54.50 proves he’s ready.” Captaining the side is Najmul Hossain Shanto, 27, with fast‑bowling all‑rounder Taskin Ahmed serving as vice‑captain. Wicket‑keeper‑batsman Litton Kumer Das completes the core, while seam threats Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam round out the attack.
Squad Composition and Youth Focus
The 15‑man list features four players under 25, including rising fast bowler Hasan Mahmud (named as a standby) and all‑rounder Rishad Hossain. The youth drive reflects BCB’s development policy launched in January 2024, which aims to give emerging talent exposure ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. Veteran spinner Sakib Al Hasan will act as spin‑bowling coach, adding experience to the young pacers.
Injuries, Omissions and the Road to Recovery
Fast bowler Abu Jayed misses out after a chronic shoulder injury required surgery on September 3. BCB’s chief medical officer Dr. Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the decision was “medically mandated,” a sentiment echoed by selector Abedin. Batsman Mosaddek Hossain also faced the axe following a 15‑day suspension for breaching the team curfew in Ireland on September 18. Both absences open doors for the standby trio – bowler Hasan Mahmud, batsman Towhid Hridoy and all‑rounder Shahidul Islam – to make their case.
Series Itinerary and Points Race
The itinerary is tight: Antigua hosts the first two ODIs on October 25 and 28, followed by Trinidad on October 30. All matches start at 10:00 AM ECT (02:00 UTC). With Bangladesh sitting eighth in the Super League on 65 points and West Indies tenth on 52, a clean sweep could lift Bangladesh into the top six, narrowing the gap to the qualifying threshold of 90 points. The last encounter between the sides in May 2024 ended 2‑1 in Bangladesh’s favour, so the stakes feel familiar.
Coaching Set‑up and Logistics
Head coach Phil Simmons, a former Trinidadian cricketer, will travel with fielding guru Jon Lewis and video analyst Aminul Islam. High‑performance director David Saker confirmed that spin coach Sakib Al Hasan joins the contingent in Antigua on October 23 after completing a coaching certification in Brisbane. The team departs Dhaka on October 22 aboard Emirates flight EK587, with a brief Dubai layover, and will undergo mandatory anti‑doping tests at Bangabandhu National Stadium on October 21.
Financial Incentives and Broadcast Reach
BCB’s media manager Jalal Ahmed disclosed that each player earns BDT 1,200,000 (≈ USD 10,800) per ODI, with a series‑win bonus of BDT 5,000,000 (≈ USD 45,000). Broadcast rights are held domestically by Bangladesh Television and internationally by Willow TV, while Disney+ Hotstar streams the action worldwide for $4.99 per match. The financial package aims to reward performance and keep senior players motivated ahead of the looming Asia Cup.
- Series dates: Oct 25, 28, 30 2025
- Venues: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua) & Queen’s Park Oval (Trinidad)
- Super League points on offer: 10 per win
- Bangladesh current standing: 8th, 65 points
- Key selection note: Soumya Sarkar returns after injury
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the series affect Bangladesh’s World Cup qualification hopes?
Each win adds ten points to Bangladesh’s tally in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. A series sweep would push the team from 65 to 95 points, moving them into the top six and bringing them within striking distance of the 90‑point threshold needed for automatic qualification.
Why was Soumya Sarkar selected despite his recent hamstring injury?
Chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed that Sarkar received a full match‑fitness certificate on October 14 after a six‑week rehab program. His DPL form – 327 runs at 54.50 – convinced the panel that he’s match‑ready.
What are the financial rewards for players in this series?
According to BCB media manager Jalal Ahmed, every squad member earns BDT 1,200,000 (about USD 10,800) per match. If Bangladesh clinches the series, each player pockets an additional BDT 5,000,000 (roughly USD 45,000) as a win bonus.
Who are the key coaching figures travelling with the team?
Head coach Phil Simmons leads the camp, supported by fielding coach Jon Lewis, video analyst Aminul Islam, and spin‑bowling specialist Sakib Al Hasan, who arrives in Antigua on October 23 under the direction of high‑performance director David Saker.
Where can fans watch the matches?
Domestically, Bangladesh Television holds the rights; internationally, Willow TV broadcasts live, while Disney+ Hotstar offers streaming worldwide for $4.99 per match.
