Dhaka, March 6 (IANS): Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza has been recalled while explosive opener Tamim Iqbal was dropped from the 14-member national squad for the Asia Cup cricket tournament to be held here March 11-22.

Mortaza was selected on the basis of his performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he played a crucial role in Dhaka Gladiators' victory in the inaugural league.

Tamim, Bangladesh's No.1 batsman, was ignored despite recovering from a groin injury that he picked up during the BPL.

Besides Tamim, Alok Kapali, Rubel Hossain, Naeem Islam, Shahriar Nafees and Farhad Reza were also not considered for the Asia Cup.

Chairman of selectors Akram Khan said the decision to ignore Tamim was taken by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Mustafa Kamal. The captain will be announced later.

"It's a decision of the president. He selected the final squad, not us," Khan said

Mortaza, a right-arm fast bowler, returns to the national squad after a year-long layoff due to a knee injury.

Opener Anamul Haque is the only rookie while batsman Mohammad Nazimuddin, wicketkeeper-batsman Jahurul Islam and seamer Shahadat Hossain were recalled after a good show in the domestic circuit.

Defending champions India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the other teams in the Asia Cup.

The squad: Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Jahurul Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Elias Sunny, Nazmul Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Anamul Haque.