Bangladesh make last-minute changes to T20 World Cup squad

Soumya Sarkar and Shoriful Islam have replaced Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin in Bangladesh's squad

Bangladesh have made two late changes to their T20 World Cup squad, bringing in Soumya Sarkar and Shoriful Islam.

The pair have replaced Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin, both of whom are returning home, with no travelling reserves remaining with the squad.

The alternations came ahead of the cut-off time for making changes to squads, with the decision to swap out Rahman and Saifuddin performance-based.

Sarkar and Islam were previously on standby and both featured during the recent tri-series in New Zealand. Sridharan Sriram, Bangladesh's technical director, had hinted at the end of that mini-competition that changes could be in the offing.

"He (Soumya) played a shot and got out," said Sriram at the time. "That's intent. I think he was selfless and played for the team. He tried to get going in the first few overs when we got only six or seven runs. He tried to force the pace and got out but it happens.

^{Mohammad Saifuddin has been dropped by Bangladesh (Sanka Vidanagama/AFP via Getty Images)}

"He played a good knock at No.3 in the last game, so I think there are good signs. A player like him, we need to really instil the confidence. We still have time (to bring changes in the World Cup squad). There will definitely be discussions and we're open."

Bangladesh begin their campaign in Hobart on October 24, having qualified directly for the Super 12s. They face Afghanistan and South Africa in warmups next week.

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