Daijiworld Media Network – Dhaka

Dhaka, Aug 22: Bangladesh on Friday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE, recalling wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan after nearly three years. Litton Das will lead the side in the continental tournament, which runs from September 9 to 28.

The 31-year-old Nurul last featured for Bangladesh during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia and earned his recall following consistent performances in domestic cricket. Saif Hasan also made his way back into the T20I set-up after a gap of 18 months, having last played in the 2023 Asian Games.

The Asia Cup will feature eight teams, with Bangladesh grouped alongside Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka in Group B. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Oman, and hosts UAE. The competition is being viewed as an important preparatory step towards the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Litton Das, who recently guided Bangladesh to historic back-to-back T20I series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, will look to extend his fine run of leadership. He will be supported by experienced campaigners such as Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

Notably, Mehidy Hassan Miraz was left out of the squad, while Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, and Hasan Mahmud were named as stand-by players. Former T20I skipper Najmul Hossain was also not included.

Ahead of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands, beginning August 30 in Sylhet.

Bangladesh Squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.