Bangladesh have made a notable change to their one-day international squad, recalling Afif Hossain for the first time since December 2024, while keeping faith with the out-of-form Litton Das for the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan.
According to a report by ICC today, the series, to be held entirely at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, is scheduled to commence on 11 March, with subsequent matches on 13 and 15 March.
The selection sees Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, and Shamim Hossain omitted from the side. Mahidul Islam has retained his spot from the squad named for the West Indies series in October 2025.
Meanwhile, the team remains without pacers Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who are recovering from tennis elbow and a back injury, respectively. Both injured bowlers are anticipated to regain full fitness by the end of the month.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the Chair of the Bangladesh selection panel, addressed the decision to retain Das despite a recent lean spell with the bat. “There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” Mr Hossain clarified.
“We believe he can soon produce his best in this format and are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order,” the selection chief added.
Regarding the other selections, Hossain noted that Afif “(brings) valuable experience and is currently appears to be in fine touch,” and described Mahidul Islam”s retention as “a good opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown.’
The 15-member squad will be led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh squad for ODI series v Pakistan: 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.
Series Schedule
11 March – First ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
13 March – Second ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
15 March – Third ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka