Bangladesh Announces Squad for Sri Lanka ODI Series, Litton Das Returns

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revealed its 16-member team for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on July 2. Litton Das has been recalled to the squad.

According to chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Litton’s inclusion was largely due to his recent appointment as the T20I captain for Bangladesh, notwithstanding his struggles in the ODI format.

Between December 2023 and December 2024, Litton only scored 35 runs in eight matches across tours of New Zealand and the West Indies, leading to his exclusion from the Champions Trophy.

“Litton Das experienced a rough patch, but time is a great healer. Given his role as the T20 captain, we will consider him until the next T20 World Cup,” Ashraf stated.

“The best way for a player to regain form is by spending time on the field. We believe Litton can rediscover his form through ODIs and carry that momentum into T20Is.”

The selection committee has also recalled opener Mohammad Naim, batter Shamim Hossain, left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam, and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud.

Ashraf clarified, “Naim has demonstrated the ability to bat with similar aggression to our current white-ball openers. He performed admirably in the Dhaka Premier League. Regarding Soumya Sarkar, we prefer that he recovers fully before his return, as he has faced several injuries this past year, including an ACL injury, a finger injury, and a back spasm.”

Naim’s last ODI appearance was in September 2023, while Tanvir Islam received his first ODI call-up after participating in six T20Is.

The selectors have also chosen five fast bowlers to better manage the workload of Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana, all returning players.

“We included five pacers due to Mustafizur and Taskin’s return from injuries, and we are also carefully monitoring Rana’s workload,” Ashraf explained.

This squad adjustment follows the retirements of veteran batters Mahmudullah, who retired from all international cricket, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who retired from ODIs, which both occurred after Bangladesh’s premature exit from the Champions Trophy.

The three ODIs are scheduled for July 2, 5, and 8. The first two matches will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, while the final match will take place in Pallekele.

Bangladesh Squad for ODI Series Against Sri Lanka:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud.