Bangladesh name full-strength squad for UAE and Pakistan Twenty20 series

New Delhi: Bangladesh, gearing up for a challenging season, have named a strong squad for their two-match Twenty20 International series against the UAE, to be held in Sharjah on May 17 and 19.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been appointed as Bangladesh’s T20I captain for the upcoming tours of the UAE and Pakistan. Das replaces Najmul Hossain Shanto, who stepped down from the role earlier this year. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain.

Key players return for twin assignments

Shanto remains part of the squad alongside returning names like Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. The five replace Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ripon Mondol, and Taskin Ahmed in the 16-member group.

Das had previously stepped in as stand-in captain during the series against the West Indies, guiding Bangladesh to an impressive 3-0 sweep in overseas conditions. The 30-year-old brings leadership experience across all formats, having led the side in one Test, seven ODIs, and four T20Is.

Fit again and ready to lead

Das was recently ruled out of the Pakistan Super League 2025 due to a finger injury sustained during training with Karachi Kings. However, he is believed to have recovered and will now lead Bangladesh through a crucial phase of T20 preparations.

Bangladesh will play two T20Is against the UAE in Sharjah before heading to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series from May 25 to June 3. The first two matches in Pakistan will be held at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, while the final three are scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Eyes on 2026 T20 World Cup

These back-to-back series form a key part of Bangladesh’s build-up to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year.

Bangladesh squad:

Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.