Dhaka , 04 January (H.S.): Bangladesh announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday, marking the return of pace bowler Taskin Ahmed to the T20 format while excluding wicketkeeper-batsman Jaker Ali and several others in form. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, sees Litton Kumar Das appointed captain and Saif Hassan named vice-captain.

Taskin's Comeback After ILT20 Stint

Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, recently absent from a home series against Ireland, earned a direct World Cup selection after impressing in the ILT20 for Sharjah Warriors. His inclusion bolsters Bangladesh's pace attack alongside Mustafizur Rahman, Tanjim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, MD Shaihfuddin, and Nasum Ahmed.

Selectors overlooked Jaker Ali, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and in-form batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto, opting for a balanced unit with Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, and Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan in the batting order, supported by all-rounders Mahedee Hasan and Rishad Hossain.

Group C Fixtures: Tough Opening Challenge

Placed in Group C, Bangladesh faces West Indies, England, Nepal, and debutants Italy. The Tigers open their campaign on February 7 against two-time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, followed by Italy on February 9 (also Kolkata), England on February 14 (Kolkata), and Nepal on February 17 in Mumbai.

Complete Bangladesh T20 World Cup Squad:

Litton Kumar Das (Captain), Mohammad Saif Hassan (Vice-Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedee Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanjim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, MD Shaihfuddin, Shoriful Islam

The squad announcement comes amid diplomatic tensions with India, following recent calls to relocate Bangladesh's matches, though no changes to the schedule have been confirmed as yet.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar