Bangladesh name squad for T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Jaker Ali

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Bangladesh have officially announced their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, as the Tigers look to finally break their long-standing knockout jinx at the marquee event. Having featured in every edition of the T20 World Cup since its inception, Bangladesh are yet to reach the semi-finals, but the upcoming tournament presents them with another opportunity to rewrite history.

The selectors have opted for a mix of experience and familiarity with subcontinental conditions, banking on a well-rounded bowling attack and settled leadership as they prepare for a challenging group-stage campaign.

Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das has been retained as Bangladesh’s captain for the global tournament, underlining the team management’s faith in his leadership in the shortest format. Litton, one of the most experienced T20I players in the squad, will be expected to lead from the front with the bat while also providing stability behind the stumps.

Mohammed Saif Hassan has been named vice-captain, giving Bangladesh a relatively young leadership core as they look to strike a balance between aggression and composure in high-pressure matches.

Bangladesh’s hopes at the T20 World Cup 2026 will largely rest on their bowling unit, which appears well-suited for conditions in India and Sri Lanka. The pace attack will be spearheaded by the experienced duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, whose variations and ability to strike at crucial moments could prove decisive.

The spin department adds further depth, with Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain offering different styles and angles. On turning tracks, this trio could pose serious problems for opposition batters and make Bangladesh a dangerous side, particularly in the middle overs.

One of the notable talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of Jaker Ali. The all-rounder had previously captained Bangladesh during the Asia Cup and in the series against Afghanistan when Litton was unavailable. However, the selectors have chosen to go in a different direction for the World Cup, prioritising squad balance and specific roles over past leadership experience.

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Bangladesh face an uphill task from the very start of the tournament, having been placed in a competitive group alongside England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy. With only two teams advancing to the Super 8s, there is little margin for error, and consistency across all group matches will be crucial.

Litton Das (c), Mohammed Saif Hassan (vc), Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Qazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Md Shaifuddin, Shoriful Islam.

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