<p>Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been left out of Bangladesh's preliminary squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, fuelling uncertainty about the future of his international career.</p>.<p>The Windies are due to tour Bangladesh for three one-day internationals and two Tests and will arrive in Dhaka on January 10.</p>.<p>It is the first series in the South Asian nation since March when the coronavirus pandemic saw global sporting events cancelled or postponed.</p>.<p>"It was a tough decision for us but we have to accept the reality and move ahead," chief selector Minhajul Abedin said at a press conference where the 24-man squad was announced.</p>.<p>"It's a new beginning, and whoever comes in his place -- it's an opportunity for him," he added.</p>.<p>Mashrafe stepped down as Bangladesh's ODI captain in March but kept himself available for selection.</p>.<p>He showed some form with a career-best five-wicket haul during a recent Twenty20 match in domestic competition.</p>.<p>Two members of Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup-winning squad -- pacer Shoriful Islam and batsmen Pervez Hossain -- were included in the squad.</p>.<p>According to an itinerary released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the West Indians will quarantine for seven days after their arrival.</p>.<p>The series will run until February 15.</p>
<p>Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been left out of Bangladesh's preliminary squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, fuelling uncertainty about the future of his international career.</p>.<p>The Windies are due to tour Bangladesh for three one-day internationals and two Tests and will arrive in Dhaka on January 10.</p>.<p>It is the first series in the South Asian nation since March when the coronavirus pandemic saw global sporting events cancelled or postponed.</p>.<p>"It was a tough decision for us but we have to accept the reality and move ahead," chief selector Minhajul Abedin said at a press conference where the 24-man squad was announced.</p>.<p>"It's a new beginning, and whoever comes in his place -- it's an opportunity for him," he added.</p>.<p>Mashrafe stepped down as Bangladesh's ODI captain in March but kept himself available for selection.</p>.<p>He showed some form with a career-best five-wicket haul during a recent Twenty20 match in domestic competition.</p>.<p>Two members of Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup-winning squad -- pacer Shoriful Islam and batsmen Pervez Hossain -- were included in the squad.</p>.<p>According to an itinerary released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the West Indians will quarantine for seven days after their arrival.</p>.<p>The series will run until February 15.</p>