Bangladesh have announced Litton Das as their new T20 captain as the selectors named a 16-member squad for their series against the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. The selectors decided to go with Das after former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto resigned in January.
In his tenure, Bangladesh fared poorly in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This may have had a big role in his decision to step down. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan (not to be confused with fellow off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz) has been named Das’s deputy in the side.
Das, who has led Bangladesh in one Test, seven ODIs, and four T20Is so far, brings with him a host of experience to the squad. The return of Towhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Tanvir Islam is also expected. Bangladesh also emphasized the importance of naming their new Test and ODI captains even though the incumbent Shanto has not relinquished those positions.
“Litton Das will lead the side until the T20 World Cup next year. For Litton, experience has been an important factor. We don’t have many experienced players in the current setup. While there were discussions about his form, we believe he has the potential. If he can organise his game, he’ll be an asset to the team,” said Bangladesh Cricket Operations Chair Najmul Abedin.
“We will announce the ODI and Test captains soon. It’s necessary to fill up the vacuum. Test matches may come in two to two-and-a-half months. While we could announce the captain a week before, leadership isn’t just about the match; it’s a full-time responsibility,” Abedin added.
Das was responsible for skippering Bangladesh until the T20 World Cup. The tournament will take place in India and Sri Lanka early next year. If his performance is up to the mark, he will be confirmed as the side’s captain for a longer time.
The wicketkeeper-batter first stepped up as Bangladesh’s short-term skipper in the overseas tour of the West Indies in December 2024. He helped his team get a clean sweep of 3-0 in conditions where they had fared poorly in the T20 World Cup earlier that year. The Bangla Tigers will first take on minnows UAE in Sharjah in two T20Is on May 17 and 19. Then, they will travel east to Pakistan to play the hosts in a five-match series beginning from May 25.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vc), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam.
