The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, setting sights on a historic breakthrough in the tournament. The squad, to be captained by wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, sees the return of key pacers and a few notable exclusions as the team prepares for its campaign in India.
Key Inclusions and Omissions in the Squad
The most significant comebacks are those of experienced fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. Taskin's inclusion bolsters the pace attack, while Mustafizur finds a spot despite recent controversy surrounding his release from the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a corresponding move, wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali has been dropped from the final roster.
The batting hopes will rest significantly on captain Litton Das, with support expected from the likes of Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon at the top of the order. The spin department will be handled by the trio of Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, and Rishad Hossain. The pace battery, besides Mustafizur and Taskin, includes Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shaif Uddin.
The Semi-Final Quest and Group Stage Challenge
Bangladesh enters this edition with a clear, unfulfilled ambition: to reach the semi-finals for the very first time. Despite participating in every T20 World Cup since its inception, the Tigers have never progressed beyond the group or Super stages. The 2026 tournament presents another opportunity to shatter this glass ceiling.
They have been placed in Group C, which features formidable opponents like defending champions England and the powerful West Indies, alongside associate nations Italy and Nepal. Their campaign kicks off on February 7, 2026, against the West Indies. They then face Italy on February 9, England on February 14, and conclude their group stage against Nepal on February 17.
Venue Controversy and Mustafizur's IPL Saga
The squad announcement coincides with an off-field development concerning match venues. Bangladeshi government advisor Asif Nazrul has instructed the BCB to formally request the International Cricket Council (ICC), led by President Jay Shah, to relocate all of Bangladesh's league matches. The initial schedule had three games in Kolkata and one in Mumbai, but the advisor wants them moved to Sri Lanka.
This request appears linked to the recent treatment of pacer Mustafizur Rahman by the BCCI and KKR. The Indian board instructed his IPL franchise to release him, citing "recent developments," a move that has caused diplomatic ripples. The final decision on venues remains pending with the ICC.
The full Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 is: Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam.
