Tigers' camp from today

Bangladesh will begin their preparations for the Asia Cup, scheduled to start from September 15 in the UAE, as the 31-member preliminary squad will start the training camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from today.

Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently in Saudi Arab to perform hajj, is expected to return on August 29 and Mahmudullah Riyad, who is playing the Caribbean Premiere League for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, will join the side on September 7. All other members of the squad are expected to join the camp from the first day.

Head coach Steve Rhodes is also expected to be present from the first day of the training camp, accompanied by trainer Mario Villavarayan and physio Thihan Chandramohan.

Bangladesh bowling coach Courtney Walsh and batting consultant Neil McKenzie will join the camp on September 2 ahead of the skills training sessions.

The cricketers will start the camp with fitness and fielding sessions in the first week, and it will be followed by the skill training and match scenario sessions in the next week before the final squad departs for the UAE on September 9.

Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the opening game of the group stage on September 15 in Dubai and will then face Afghanistan in the second match on September 20 at Abu Dhabi.