DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Pakistan, recalling senior batter Litton Das and all-rounder Afif Hossain to the fold.
The selection panel, led by Gazi Ashraf Hossain, made several changes to the squad that last featured in an ODI series against the West Indies in October, with pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam also earning recalls.
Key omissions and injury concerns
Several players who were part of Bangladesh’s previous ODI assignment have been dropped from the side. Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, and Nasum Ahmed have been omitted from the squad, while pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud have been ruled out entirely due to injuries.
The changes reflect the team management’s desire to bolster the squad with experienced campaigners for the important home series against Pakistan, with all three matches scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15.
Litton’s return and middle-order role
Litton Das’s recall comes after a significant absence from the ODI format. The wicketkeeper-batter last played an ODI in July against Sri Lanka before missing subsequent series against Afghanistan in the UAE and the West Indies at home.
“There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” selection panel head Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained while addressing the media.
“We are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order,” he added, indicating a potential change in batting position for the seasoned campaigner.
Sources within the BCB suggest that discussions are ongoing regarding Das’s batting role, with some in the team management circle advocating for his deployment at number five rather than his customary top-three position, believing this could better serve the team’s overall balance.
Afif’s comeback after 15-month hiatus
Afif Hossain’s inclusion marks his return to international cricket after a lengthy gap. The all-rounder has not represented Bangladesh since December 2024, when he featured in both ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to the Bangladeshi middle order.
Leadership and spin options
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the side, entrusted with captaincy responsibilities for the important series against Pakistan. The squad features a balanced spin attack with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam providing variety alongside the skipper’s own off-spin options.
Pakistan Arrival Confirmed Amid Travel Concerns
The BCB has confirmed that the Pakistan squad will arrive in Dhaka on March 8 as scheduled, dismissing media reports that had suggested the tour might be called off due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The board reiterated that the series would proceed as planned, putting an end to speculation about potential cancellation.
Jaker Ali set to miss out
In a separate development, wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali is reportedly set to be omitted from the series. It is understood that the team management wishes to reintegrate Litton Das into the ODI setup, with the selection committee opting for experience over the younger campaigner for the crucial home assignment.
Bangladesh Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
