Dhaka, May 4, 2025 — Bangladesh have officially named their 16-member T20I squads for the upcoming tours of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, marking a fresh chapter in their white-ball cricket leadership.
The announcement includes a change in captaincy, player recalls, and a renewed focus on preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year.
Star batter Litton Das has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new T20I captain, taking over from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who stepped down from the leadership role earlier this year. Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain, solidifying his growing stature within the national side. Both appointments are effective for the twin tours to UAE and Pakistan, which are scheduled for May and June.
Shanto, although no longer captain, remains part of the T20I setup, adding valuable depth and experience to the squad. Litton Das, who previously captained Bangladesh in a few matches across formats, impressed during his stint as stand-in captain in the T20I series against the West Indies last year, where Bangladesh secured a 3-0 whitewash away from home. With prior captaincy experience in one Test, seven ODIs, and four T20Is, Litton now takes full charge as the team gears up for high-stakes encounters.
The squad announcement also brings back several key players who were previously rested or injured. Notably, Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam return to bolster the bowling and middle-order options. Their inclusion signals Bangladesh’s intent to field a strong and balanced side for the upcoming matches.
Bangladesh will kick off their tour with two T20Is against UAE on May 17 and 19, both matches to be held in Sharjah. Following the UAE leg, the team will travel to Pakistan for a highly anticipated five-match T20I series, beginning on May 25. These matches will serve as critical preparation for the World Cup and offer valuable international exposure to the emerging players in the squad.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent, Bangladesh’s dual T20I tours to UAE and Pakistan are set to test their depth, leadership, and readiness on the global stage.