Bangladesh announce squad for ODI series against Sri Lanka

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday revealed a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, with wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das making a return to the side.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain confirmed that Litton’s comeback was based on his recent appointment as Bangladesh’s T20I captain, despite his poor run in the 50-over format.

“Litton Das was in a bad patch but time is the best healer. He is the T20 captain, so we can consider him until the next T20 World Cup,” said Ashraf.

“If someone has to return to form, it’s best to spend more time in the middle. We feel Litton can regain form through ODIs and take it into T20Is,” he added. 

Litton had been dropped from the ODI side after scoring just 35 runs in eight matches across the tours of New Zealand and West Indies from December 2023 to December 2024. He also missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

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

“Naim has shown he can bat with the same intensity as our recent white-ball openers,” Ashraf explained. 

“He has done well in the Dhaka Premier League. As for Soumya Sarkar, we want him to recover fully before returning. He’s had multiple injuries in the last year, including an ACL, a finger injury, and a back spasm,” he further explained. 

Naim last played an ODI in September 2023, while Tanvir Islam has earned his first ODI call-up, having already played six T20Is.

With Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana returning from injuries, the selectors have included five pacers to better manage their workloads.

“We included five pacers because Mustafizur and Taskin are returning from injuries, and we’re monitoring Rana’s workload too,” added Ashraf.

The squad changes come in the wake of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim’s retirements — Mahmudullah from all forms of international cricket and Mushfiqur from ODIs — shortly after Bangladesh’s early exit from the Champions Trophy.

The ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will begin on July 2, with the next two games scheduled for July 5 and 8. The first two matches will be played in Colombo at the R. Premadasa Stadium, while the final ODI will take place in Pallekele.

Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs:

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.