Experienced batsman left out of the squad due to poor ODI form, pacer Hasan Mahmud also misses out, while top-order batsman Parvez Hossain Emon gets a chance.
Litton Das’s last fifty came against India during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since then, nearly 15 months and 13 innings have passed without another half-century. In his last seven innings, he failed to score more than six runs. This prolonged slump has cost the experienced batter his spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
Hasan Mahmud, who has been consistent recently, also misses out. The 15-man squad features four pacers, including Nahid Rana, who will make his debut in an ICC tournament after impressing with his pace in recent matches.
With Litton excluded, Parvez Hossain Emon retains his place in the squad. The 22-year-old top-order batsman was part of the squad for the recent West Indies series but is yet to make his ODI debut.
The squad is open to changes until February 12 without needing a specific reason, meaning further adjustments could still happen.
Shakib Al Hasan, currently banned from bowling, has been left out as selectors found no reason to include him solely as a batter. Tamim Iqbal, who was the subject of much speculation before the squad announcement, is also absent following his earlier retirement. The primary question revolved around whether Litton would make the cut, but the selectors ultimately decided against placing their trust in his experience.
Litton has been struggling across all formats recently. Despite a promising 73 off 43 balls for Dhaka Capitals in the BPL last Friday, which ended a 23-innings streak without a fifty across all formats, his ODI performances have been underwhelming. In the last West Indies series, he scored 2, 4, and 0 in ODIs and followed that with scores of 0, 3, and 14 in the T20Is. His form ultimately did not inspire enough confidence for a place in the squad.
There aren’t many questions regarding the rest of the batting lineup. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Towhid Hridoy return after missing the previous series due to injuries, as does Soumya Sarkar, who is yet to play in the ongoing BPL due to fitness concerns. Alongside Litton and Hasan, Afif Hossain and Shoriful Islam have also been left out.
Mustafizur Rahman, who missed the last series due to personal reasons, returns to the squad. The experienced pacer was instrumental in the Afghanistan series, taking eight wickets in three ODIs in Sharjah.
Nahid Rana, who made his ODI debut against Afghanistan and played two matches in the West Indies series, also retains his spot. In his three ODIs so far, the pacer has taken four wickets.
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 20 with a match against India in Dubai. They will face Pakistan on February 24 and New Zealand on February 27.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman.
Dropped: Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.
Returning: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman.
