Bangladesh Names 16-Member Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Litton Das to Lead, Shanto and Mehidy Miss Out as Nurul and Saif Return

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28. The announcement has stirred conversation across the cricketing world, with former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz missing out, while wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan and top-order batter Saif Hasan make notable comebacks.

Litton Das, who recently led Bangladesh to T20I series victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, will continue as captain. The squad reflects a blend of youth and experience, with selectors opting for form and flexibility over reputation.

🧭 Squad Overview: Key Inclusions and Omissions

The return of Nurul Hasan after nearly three years is seen as a reward for consistent domestic performances, while Saif Hasan’s inclusion adds depth to the top order.

📊 Bangladesh’s Full Squad for Asia Cup 2025

The squad will also feature in a preparatory three-match T20I series against the Netherlands at home, beginning August 30 in Sylhet.

🔍 Strategic Selection: Why Shanto and Mehidy Were Dropped

Najmul Hossain Shanto, who previously captained the T20I side, has been left out following a dip in form and questions over his strike rate. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, despite being the ODI captain, failed to make an impact in recent T20Is and has been relegated to the standby list.

Selectors have opted for more aggressive and adaptable players to suit the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, especially in multi-team tournaments.

🧠 Leadership Continuity: Litton Das at the Helm

Litton Das’s captaincy has earned praise for its tactical clarity and calm demeanor. Under his leadership, Bangladesh secured historic series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, boosting team morale and confidence.

His retention as captain signals the board’s trust in his leadership ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.

📉 Bowling Unit: Pace and Spin Balance

Bangladesh’s bowling attack features a strong pace quartet—Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib—alongside a spin trio of Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain.

The selectors have focused on versatility and tournament experience, with Mustafizur and Taskin expected to lead the attack.

🧠 Group Placement and Tournament Outlook

Bangladesh is placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. They will begin their campaign against Hong Kong on September 11 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, making every match crucial.

📌 Conclusion

Bangladesh’s 16-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 reflects a bold and balanced approach, blending experience with fresh energy. The exclusion of former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz signals a shift toward performance-based selection, while the return of Nurul Hasan and Saif Hasan adds depth and resilience.

With Litton Das continuing as captain and a well-rounded bowling unit in place, Bangladesh will look to break their finals jinx and make a strong statement ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports, selection, or betting advice.