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Ahead of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled a 16-member squad, notably omitting former T20I captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The left-hander’s exclusion has drawn attention, given his recent struggles in the shortest format.
Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped amid form slump
Shanto, once viewed as a mainstay in Bangladesh’s T20I setup, has been dropped after a prolonged lean patch with the bat. Earlier this year, the southpaw had stepped down from the T20I captaincy to concentrate on his personal form, but that hasn’t been enough to convince the selectors. His absence from the squad signals a possible reset in Bangladesh’s T20 ambitions ahead of future assignments.
Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed return
One of the biggest takeaways from the squad announcement is the return of pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who last played a T20I over a year ago. The 28-year-old adds depth to the lower order and offers a useful seam-bowling option.
Pace trio Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam also make a comeback, strengthening the fast-bowling department. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who was not part of the squad for the previous T20I series against Pakistan, has also been recalled.
Several players shown the door
In addition to Shanto, several other names from the Pakistan series have failed to retain their places. Soumya Sarkar, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Nahid Rana, and Khaled Ahmed have all been left out as the selectors opted for a restructured and balanced combination.
Litton Das will continue to lead the side, with young talents such as Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Towhid Hridoy retaining their spots. The squad also includes utility players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shak Mahedi Hasan, offering versatility in both batting and bowling departments.
The T20I series is scheduled to be played from July 10 to July 16, and will serve as a crucial preparatory phase for Bangladesh as they look to fine-tune their squad ahead of the next ICC T20 World Cup cycle.
Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka T20Is:
Litton Kumar Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin
Also READ: Najmul Hossain Shanto steps down as Bangladesh Test captain after series defeat against Sri Lanka
