Bangladesh announce squad for Pakistan ODI series; Litton Das, Shoriful Islam return

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan beginning March 11 in Mirpur. A major development involves the return of Litton Das who has had a streak of single-digit scores in the last eight innings since December 2023.

Along with the right-hand batter, the selectors recalled pacers Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, and all-rounder Afif Hossain. Meanwhile, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Nurul Hasan did not find a place in the 15-member squad.

Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib will also miss the series as the duo are injured. Mahmud has right tennis elbow injury while Sakib is suffering from a back issue. Both are expected to recover by the end of March though.

The chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, elaborated on the details and the reasoning behind the selection of the squad members. Gazi expressed faith in Litton's abilities and hoped he would regain form considering the batter is working hard with the coaching group. Gazi also mentioned that Afif was recalled because he has a wealth of experience and is in rich vein of form currently.

"Litton Das may not have produced his best in recent ODIs but you can't overlook the experience of nearly a hundred international matches in this format. He has been working closely with the coaches on his game. We believe he will soon perform in the manner he is capable of. We are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order. Soumya Sarkar, meanwhile, has been in excellent form at the international level," said Gazi.

"We have provided opportunities to several players in the middle order, but unfortunately some have not done enough to secure their places. With that in mind, Afif Hossain has been recalled. He has never been away from our plans. Afif brings valuable experience and is currently in good touch. Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained and this is another opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown," added Gazi.

All the three ODIs will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur (Dhaka) on March 11, 13, and 15.

Bangladesh ODI squad 

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana