Bangladesh captain Litton Das is set to make his Asian Games debut, with the experienced batter aiming to lead the national side to a gold medal. For Litton, the tournament represents more than another international assignment. He sees it as a rare opportunity to represent Bangladesh at a major multi-sport event and wants to make his first appearance a memorable one by finishing at the top of the podium.
Cricket has already given Bangladesh one of its most notable Asian Games successes. The men’s team won gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, which remains the country’s only gold medal in cricket at the competition. Bangladesh later claimed bronze in the men’s event in 2014 and 2023. The women’s team has also made a significant contribution, winning two silver medals and one bronze.
The 2023 tournament, however, came at a difficult time for Bangladesh cricket. The Asian Games coincided with the 50-over World Cup, meaning most of the country’s leading cricketers were unavailable for the competition. Litton was among those who did not take part. His first appearance this time therefore carries added significance, particularly as he will be entrusted with leading the side.
Litton has made no secret of the team’s ambition. Bangladesh traditionally enters tournaments with the aim of winning a trophy, but the captain says the target at the Asian Games is specifically a gold medal. Reaching the final will be an important first step, but the ultimate objective is to finish the competition as champions.
He also views the Asian Games in a broader context. With cricket’s Olympic prospects in mind, Litton believes the competition can provide valuable experience for players and help Bangladesh understand what it takes to perform in a multi-sport environment. He hopes the team can use the occasion to demonstrate its ability on a major stage and gain experience relevant to the prospect of cricket’s return to the Olympic programme.
There is, however, a sporting challenge Bangladesh must address. The team’s T20I record in 2026 has been mixed. Bangladesh have played eight T20Is so far this year, winning three. Those matches came in bilateral series against New Zealand, Australia and Zimbabwe. Their most recent T20I series, against Zimbabwe in July, ended in a 2-1 victory for Bangladesh.
Litton believes preparations before the Asian Games can help the team overcome some of those concerns. A training camp in Dhaka and two practice matches are expected to give the players an opportunity to adjust to tournament conditions. The captain also sees participation in franchise leagues as valuable, particularly because exposure to different teams, playing styles and match situations can strengthen a player’s adaptability in T20 cricket.
The lower-middle order remains another area under consideration. Litton has indicated that Bangladesh want to give Yasir Ali opportunities in that role after his positive contribution during the Zimbabwe tour. The team have several options for the position, and the final selection is expected to depend on the match situation and the demands of the opposition.
For Litton, the Asian Games will also offer an opportunity to engage with athletes from beyond cricket. As a former Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) student, he has long had an interest in other sports. He intends to watch events whenever his schedule permits and interact with athletes from different countries, believing that their preparation, discipline and competitive experiences can offer lessons for cricketers as well.
Bangladesh have also had to make a late change to their squad. All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the Asian Games with a hamstring injury. He has been replaced by 29-year-old spinner Alis Al Islam, who has received his first call-up to the T20I squad.
The tournament will consequently serve as a test of both Bangladesh’s T20 depth and Litton’s leadership. For a captain making his Asian Games debut, the ambition is clear: reproduce the success of Guangzhou and bring another cricket gold medal back to Bangladesh.
