The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, setting the stage for their campaign in the global tournament. In a significant leadership decision, the board has appointed wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das as the new captain of the T20I side, entrusting him with the responsibility of guiding the team on the world stage.
New Leadership and Veteran Presence
Litton Das, a seasoned campaigner in the Bangladesh lineup, takes over the captaincy reins. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Tigers in the shortest format of the game. The squad sees the much-anticipated return of the legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib, who had taken a break from T20 internationals, is back in the fold, bringing with him a wealth of experience and match-winning prowess that will be crucial for Bangladesh's ambitions.
The selection panel, led by chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, has opted for a blend of experienced heads and promising talent. The squad was announced on January 4, 2026, following careful deliberation. Alongside Shakib, other key senior players like star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (mentioned again for emphasis on his dual role as veteran and key player) and opener Tamim Iqbal are part of the unit, providing stability.
The Complete Squad and Strategic Picks
The 15-player roster for the T20 World Cup 2026 is as follows: Litton Das (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Jaker Ali (Wicketkeeper).
This selection highlights a few strategic choices. The pace attack looks potent with the inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman, the crafty left-arm seamer, and the fiery Taskin Ahmed. The spin department will be spearheaded by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with young leg-spinner Rishad Hossain adding a wrist-spin option. The batting order boasts a mix of aggressive starters like Litton and Tamim, alongside reliable middle-order anchors like Najmul Hossain Shanto and the ever-dependable Mahmudullah.
Road Ahead and Expectations
The announcement solidifies Bangladesh's plans for the marquee event. The team management and fans will be hoping that the combination of new leadership under Litton Das and the proven genius of Shakib Al Hasan can create a winning formula. The squad carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its cricket team make a deep run in a World Cup.
The selection also indicates a clear path forward, with the board backing a set of core players to build team cohesion in the lead-up to the tournament. All eyes will now be on how Captain Litton Das marshals his resources and how the team gels in various bilateral series before the World Cup kicks off. The return of Shakib is undoubtedly the biggest boost, as his all-round capabilities can change the course of any match single-handedly.
With this squad, Bangladesh aims to overcome past shortcomings in ICC events and present a formidable challenge to the traditional powerhouses of world cricket. The journey to T20 World Cup 2026 glory begins with this crucial squad selection.
