The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled a 16-man squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) tri-series in the United Arab Emirates, where Bangladesh will compete against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been appointed captain to lead the national side through the tournament, with middle-order batsman Towhid Hridoy named as his deputy. The selection committee has introduced a few notable inclusions alongside seasoned international campaigners, aiming to build a balanced setup capable of adapting to the spin-friendly conditions of the Gulf region.
Off-spinner Aliss Al Islam stands out as the primary surprise inclusion in the touring contingent. Aliss, who previously featured in the national squad during the Asian Games, earns a recall to the senior setup following consistent performances in the domestic circuit and franchise leagues. His unorthodox bowling action is expected to offer Bangladesh crucial tactical variety on the slow, low UAE tracks.
However, the squad suffers a notable setback in the pace department following the exclusion of Nahid Rana. The promising fast bowler, renowned for his ability to generate steep bounce and high pace, has been ruled out of the entire tour due to a lingering injury. His absence comes as a double blow after he was previously forced out of the solitary Test match against Afghanistan. In his absence, the fast-bowling unit will be spearheaded by experienced campaigners Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, supported by Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on 17 October, with Bangladesh taking on Zimbabwe in the opening encounter. Zimbabwe will then face Afghanistan on 19 October, before Bangladesh return to action against Afghanistan on 21 October. The top two sides will subsequently lock horns in the grand final on 23 October.
Full Bangladesh Squad: Litton Das (Captain), Towhid Hridoy (Vice-Captain), Tanjid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Saifuddin, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Aliss Al Islam.
