Bangladesh have unveiled a strong 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with senior batter Najmul Hossain Shanto making a notable return to the T20 setup. Litton Das has also reclaimed the captaincy after missing Bangladesh’s two most recent T20 assignments, while Towhid Hridoy has been appointed vice-captain.
Najmul Hossain Shanto makes comeback after Test heroics
Shanto’s inclusion is arguably the biggest talking point from the squad announcement. The left-handed batter recently captained Bangladesh to a memorable Test victory over Australia in Darwin, enhancing his credentials as one of the senior figures in the national side.
His return adds experience and stability to Bangladesh’s batting unit as they prepare for the Asian Games. Shanto had been absent from the team’s recent T20 plans, but the selectors have opted to bring him back for what is expected to be a competitive campaign in Japan.
The 27-year-old will join an attacking top order featuring Litton, Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon, while Saif Hassan also provides another option at the top of the order.
Litton Das back as captain, Nurul Hasan misses out
Litton will once again take charge of the Bangladesh T20 side after missing their last two assignments. The wicketkeeper-batter was unavailable for the home T20 series against Australia because of injury before missing the Zimbabwe series due to his commitments in the Lanka Premier League. During his absence, Hridoy stepped up to lead the side.
With Litton now back in the squad, Nurul Hasan has been omitted. Hridoy, meanwhile, retains a leadership role as vice-captain following his stint at the helm. The squad also includes experienced campaigners such as Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin, giving Bangladesh plenty of depth across departments.
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Strong pace attack despite notable absences
Bangladesh have made a few changes to their bowling group compared to the squad that travelled to Zimbabwe. Taskin Ahmed and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain are among those left out, while Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a side strain.
Despite those absences, Bangladesh still possess a formidable pace attack. Mustafizur Rahman brings considerable international experience, while Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud offer variety and aggression with the new and old ball. The spin department is equally well stocked, with Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed providing multiple options depending on the conditions in Japan.
Bangladesh will enter the Asian Games at the quarterfinal stage, with their campaign scheduled to begin on September 29. They are among four seeded teams to receive direct entry into the last eight, alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With a near full-strength squad at their disposal, Bangladesh will be hoping their blend of experience and youthful energy can translate into a deep run in the tournament.
Bangladesh squad for Asian Games 2026: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy (vice-captain), Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud
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