New captain named as Bangladesh reveal squads for T20I series against UAE and Pakistan
The Tigers unveiled their new captain and vice-captain while announcing their 16-member squads for the upcoming tours of UAE and Pakistan.
Litton Das has been appointed as Bangladesh’s T20I captain, with off-spinner Mahedi Hasan named as his deputy.
Das replaces Najmul Hossain Shanto, who remains part of the squad but relinquished the T20I captaincy in January this year.
ALSO READ: UAE welcome Bangladesh for T20I series ahead of Pakistan tour
Litton Das blazes record-breaking half-century | Highlights | T20WC 2022
Highlights: Litton Das scored a terrific half-century as Bangladesh pegged India back during their chase in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
The squad also sees the return of several familiar faces – Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam – all of whom missed the T20I series against West Indies in December.
Das stepped in as stand-in captain during the series against West Indies, guiding the Bangladesh side to an impressive 3-0 clean sweep on foreign soil.
In total, Das brings leadership experience across formats, having captained Bangladesh in one Test, seven ODIs and four T20Is so far.
Mustafizur gets the big wicket of Nissanka | T20WC 2024
Mustafizur gets the big wicket of Nissanka
Bangladesh revealed Das will skipper the side up until at least next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
"Litton Das will lead the side until the T20 World Cup next year," Bangladesh cricket operation Chair Najmul Abedin confirmed.
"For Litton, experience has been an important factor. We don't have many experienced players in the current setup. While there were discussions about his form, we believe he has the potential. If he can organise his game, he'll be an asset to the team."
While Das remains in contention for the Test and ODI captaincy for Bangladesh, the team suggested a decision these positions won't be made for some time.
"We will announce the ODI and Test captains soon. It's necessary to fill up the vacuum. Test matches may come in two to two-and-a-half months' time, and while we could announce the captain a week before that, leadership isn't just about the match - it's a full-time responsibility," Abedin added.
ALSO READ: Cricketing action returns to iconic venue in Pakistan’s five-T20I series
Bangladesh will first face UAE in two T20Is on May 17 and 19 to be played in Sharjah. They will then travel to Pakistan to play a five-match T20I series, starting May 25.
Bangladesh squad: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vc), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.