Dhaka: Bangladesh cricket team ODI side captain Mahshrafe Bin Mortaza’s availability for an upcoming three-match series against West Indies is in doubt due to his political engagement in country’s 11th parliamentary election, schedule for December 30.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan Papon on Thursday said, ‘It is difficult to say whether Mashrafe will play or not against the Windies, I am supposed to meet with him today and hopefully I will know the details.’

BCB boss came up with the remarks while replying to a query of journalists after the prize giving ceremony of the Bangladesh-Zimbabwe 1-1 Test series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city, reports the UNB.    

‘If there is any chance, of course he will play. He must, even, get spare time for one single day. Playing has always remained his first priority. He didn’t retired from international cricket. He is supposed to lead Bangladesh in the next world cup,’ said BCB president.

The Windies are scheduled to play ODIs against Bangladesh on December 9 and 11 in Dhaka and December 14 in Sylhet.

Arguably, before the ODIs against Windies, it will be difficult for Mashrafe to take preparation amid busy schedule of his political activity.

November 28 is the last date for submitting candidacy and the selection will take place on December 2. The last date for removing oneself from candidacy is December 9.

‘There is a certain date for the submission of nomination paper. I don’t know exactly when he will submit it and what will be his programme there [Narail constituency 2],’ Papon added.

Mashrafe brought nomination paper of Awami League to contest from Narail-2 constituency.