Shanto Returns as Bangladesh Name Full-Strength Squad for Asian Games

Bangladesh have bolstered their T20 ranks for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, recalling senior batter Najmul Hossain Shanto to a full-strength 15-man squad. Shanto, who recently captained Bangladesh to a famous Test victory against Australia in Darwin, is the most noteworthy inclusion in the lineup announced for the tournament later this month.

Key players return to the side as Litton Das leads Bangladesh in the Asian Games 2026 💪

More on the squad 👉 https://t.co/K8Yh6Kd7XX pic.twitter.com/qwYeKGp1H0

— ICC (@ICC) September 3, 2026

The squad sees the return of Litton Das as captain, having missed Bangladesh’s two most recent T20 assignments. Das was sidelined for the home series against Australia due to injury and was unavailable for the tour of Zimbabwe as he fulfilled his commitments in the Lanka Premier League. Towhid Hridoy, who led the side in those series, has been retained as vice-captain.

With Litton reclaiming the wicketkeeping duties, Nurul Hasan has been left out of the squad.

Pace Attack Reinforced

The pace department wears a formidable look despite some notable absentees. Taskin Ahmed and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain are among those missing from the squad that toured Zimbabwe, while Nahid Rana continues his recovery from a side strain and remains sidelined.

However, Bangladesh can call upon the experience and variety of Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, ensuring their bowling attack remains potent for the knockout stages. Mohammad Saifuddin provides additional seam-bowling depth.

Seeded Quarterfinal Entry

Bangladesh have secured a direct entry to the quarterfinal stage as one of four seeded teams, alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins on September 29 in Japan, where they will face opponents from the group stage that concludes on September 27.

Bangladesh squad for Asian Games 2026-

Litton Das (captain), 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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