Lipu asserts selectors’ authority as Litton expresses anger over Shamim’s exclusion

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu explained the selection panel's position regarding the exclusion of Shamim Hossain from the squad for the first two T20Is against Ireland, saying, "the selection committee may not always be in complete agreement with the captain and coach regarding a player."

Bangladesh T20I skipper Litton Das has expressed strong frustration over Shamim's exclusion, claiming it occurred without any prior communication from the selectors or the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Speaking at the pre-series press conference in Chattogram on Wednesday, he revealed that he had received no notice from the selection panel and that the decision bypassed him entirely.

Showing his frustration in a video message, Lipu commented on raising such an issue when "the main focus should actually remain on the field and on the game itself." He added that he had discussed the matter with the captain, but ultimately the selection committee exercised its own authority.

"Right after the team was announced, I received a phone call from the captain. On the call, he said he was unhappy and quite upset that Shamim Hossain was not included. I told him that this is our decision and that it falls within the authority of the selection committee. The selection committee may not always be in complete agreement with the captain and coach regarding a player, and there is no need to seek their permission. We are accountable to the board," said Lipu.

"In fact, before announcing the T20 squad for the series against Ireland, we also had a very brief meeting with the coach [Phil Simmons] and the captain. If you ask how satisfied the captain is with Shamim Hossain and what his thoughts are regarding Shamim's position in the upcoming squad, yes, Litton himself said that he wants to see him in the team," added the former national captain.

"So, in this case, we received his clear opinion, and he also mentioned that he had discussed the matter with the head coach. The head coach also wanted to see all the players who played in the recent series against the West Indies in the team. Afterward, Hasibul Hossain Shanto [selector] and I had our own discussion at the next stage and made this decision. In light of that, Shamim Hossain did not get a place in the team," he continued.

"We also selected the squad keeping these two matches in mind. Our intention was that if we could secure a series win in the first two matches, then in the third match we could make some changes, experiment, and give a chance to those who were left out to play in the starting eleven. According to our rules, the team is announced with the approval of the board through Cricket Operations."

He also added that he had informed the captain that this team was selected for the first two matches, and after those matches, there would be an opportunity to make changes for the third match.

Shamim, who scored just two runs across two matches in the recent T20I series against the West Indies and has struggled for form, was omitted from Bangladesh's final bilateral series before the ICC T20 World Cup. While the decision itself was not Litton's primary concern, he said the manner in which it was handled left him disappointed.

"Look, it would have been good if he was in the team. This is not my call -- it's totally the selectors' call. I don't know why the selectors removed Shamim from the team without giving me any notice. I always thought that when someone handles a team, at least the captain knows which players are coming in and going out," Litton told reporters.

Reiterating that Shamim's presence would have been beneficial, Litton added that he still had not received any explanation regarding the decision.

His remarks highlighted a growing disconnect between team management and selectors. According to Litton, the board had made it clear that he must work solely with the squad provided and would have no influence over squad selection.