Bangladesh fans want Ashraful in squad vs Zimbabwe

DHAKA, Nov 23 (Reuters) At least 300 fans of middle order batsman Mohammad Ashraful held a noisy demonstration in front of the office of the Bangladesh Cricket Board today demanding his inclusion in the national squad against Zimbabwe.

The fans carried placards reading: ''Why Ashraful is not in the squad?, ''We want Asharful to play against Zimbabwe.'' Bangladesh have axed opener Rajin Saleh and middle order batsman Ashraful from a 13-man squad to face visitors Zimbabwe in a one-day series starting next week.

Ashraful, playing for the Dhaka Division against The Chittagong Division, struck 263 for the highest-ever individual score in first division cricket in Bangladesh on Thursday.

Dhaka were all out for 570 runs in their first innings, replying to Chittagong's 283 on the third day of the four-day match today.

REUTERS SAM BST2007