The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE from September 9-28. Litton Das will lead the team after recently guiding Bangladesh to their maiden T20I series victory against Sri Lanka and a home triumph over Pakistan.
His leadership will once again be supported by experienced pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. A notable recall comes in the form of wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan, who returns to the T20I fold after three years.
His last appearance came during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, and he has earned his place back following impressive domestic performances. Alongside him, Saif Hasan has also been included, marking his comeback after more than a year since featuring in the 2023 Asian Games.
Tournament Build-Up and Group Dynamics
The Asia Cup will serve as a vital preparation stage for Bangladesh ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. Bangladesh are drawn in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, which sets up a challenging but balanced path to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Group A will see India, Pakistan, the hosts UAE, and Oman battling for progression. Before the marquee tournament, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands beginning August 30 in Sylhet, offering the team a chance to finalise combinations and test their returning players. This preparatory series is seen as crucial in sharpening their strategies and building momentum ahead of the continental event.
Notable Omissions and Stand-By Options
The squad announcement also brought surprising exclusions, most prominently Mehidy Hassan Miraz, who was part of the previous T20I setup but has not been picked for the main team. Similarly, former T20I skipper Najmul Hossain has missed out on selection. As cover, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, and Hasan Mahmud have been named as stand-by players, ensuring depth in case of injuries or last-minute changes.
The selectors’ decisions highlight a shift towards rewarding recent domestic form while balancing experience and youth. With Nurul and Saif making their comebacks, Bangladesh will hope the fresh inclusions strengthen their bid for Asia Cup glory.
The squad includes: 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, and Shaif Uddin.
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