Bangladesh have named an unchanged squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, sticking with the team that secured a historic maiden T20I series win over Sri Lanka.
The joy of that Sri Lanka tour triumph still lingers. And just two days after returning home, Bangladesh are set to take the field again — this time against Pakistan. The selectors have opted to make no changes to the squad for this upcoming series.
In a press release on Thursday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the team for the Pakistan series, featuring the same group of players who clinched the T20I series in Sri Lanka.
Just like on the Sri Lanka tour, no vice-captain has been named for the squad led by Litton Das. Previously, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan served as the deputy on tours of the UAE and Pakistan.
Before the UAE series, BCB had indicated that they would try out a few players as vice-captains before the World Cup, or perhaps even extend Mehedi’s role.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, BCB’s Head of Cricket Operations, Nazmul Abedin, explained why that plan has now changed:
“At this moment, we don’t feel the need for a vice-captain in the squad. So, Litton Das has been given the responsibility alone. If needed, a vice-captain will be announced later.”
“When we appointed Sheikh Mehedi as vice-captain, we mentioned that we wanted to groom him for the future. Others might also be given the role based on the need in upcoming series.”
Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who was dropped for poor form before the Sri Lanka tour, will have to wait longer for a comeback in this format.
Soumya Sarkar and Syed Khaled Ahmed also missed out after being dropped earlier. Both are currently playing for Rangpur Riders in the Global T20 Canada.
Soumya has scored just 76 runs in his three appearances so far, while Khaled has been impressive with 10 wickets in three matches — earning Player of the Match honors twice. Still, the experienced pacer hasn’t made it back into the national squad.
Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who remained on the bench during the Sri Lanka series, has been retained as the only specialist spinner. Mohammad Naim Sheikh, who was dropped after a comeback to the XI following nearly three years, also keeps his place.
Taskin Ahmed, who was rested in Sri Lanka due to injury concerns, might be back on the field against Pakistan.
The series kicks off this Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The next two matches are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday at the same venue, with all games starting at 6 PM.
Bangladesh T20I squad
Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin.
