Mashrafee 95% fit

[opening_batsman]

Preliminary World Cup squad on Nov 27

UNB, Dhaka

Inclusion of young pacer Mohammed Sharif in Bangladesh's 30-member preliminary squad for next year's World Cup cricket appears to be doubtful as he is still recuperating from injury.

"Mashrafee Bin Mortuza Koushik is ninety-five percent fit as says our physiotherapist but Sharif's condition is not good for call," chief selector Aliul Islam told reporters on Monday.

Aliul is hopeful about promising right-arm pace bowler Koushik's chance to play in the World Cup.

The chief selector said they have almost finalised the 30-member team to send to the World Cup organisers and will announce it on November 27. The deadline to send the list is November 30.

"We had discussion with captain Khaled Masud Pilot on the squad and we asked him to

inform us if he had any choice to include anyone into it," he added.

The leader of the three-member selection committee of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said they want more involvement of the team captain in the team selection.

"We want to discuss it more with the team captain as well as players to ensure a good relation between the selection committee and the players," he said.

"We already have 22 players in mind. We just need to add eight more before the first one-day against the West Indies.

THE BCB named a 14-member squad for the one-day series against the Caribbean in addition of eight standbys.

Aliul along with his two colleagues - Omar Khaled Rumi and

GM Nawsher Prince - met the players during Monday's practice session at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

[Nasif]

I won't miss sharif's absence in WC. I think Talha is better bowler than Sharif.

[Sham]

I agree. I think with the current crop of BD pacers (Monju, Talha, Taposh) and a fit Masri to lead the pack, Sharif doesn't deserve a place anyway.