Litton Das named Bangladesh T20I skipper until T20 World Cup next year

Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Sunday (May 4) that Litton Das will lead the team in T20Is until the next World Cup. The post went vacant after Najmul Hossain Shanto decided to step down as captain from T20Is considering the hectic schedule as national captain across formats. Litton, who led the side successfully in the three-match T20I series in West Indies, will helm the side through the crucial buildup to the global event.

The BCB also announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming T20I series in the UAE and Pakistan. This will mark Litton's first assignment as a full-time T20I captain.

BCB cricket operation chairman Najmul Abedin said they have chosen Litton with a long term plan in mind. "Litton Das will lead the side until the T20 World Cup next year. For Litton, experience has been an important factor. We don't have many experienced players in the current setup. While there were discussions about his form, we believe he has the potential. If he can organize his game, he'll be an asset to the team."

Fahim also said Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain for the next two T20I series, while indicating a period of experimentation and transition. "Mahedi is almost an automatic pick in this format. His tactical awareness stood out to us. But this is not a permanent appointment - just for two series. We want to build a future captain under the guidance of the current one," he said.

Najmul added that board is working on finding a long term solution for Test and ODI captaincy. "We will announce the ODI and Test captains soon. It's necessary to fill up the vacuum. Test matches may come in two to two-and-a-half months' time, and while we could announce the captain a week before that, leadership isn't just about the match - it's a full-time responsibility."

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain added that Litton needs to lead from the front as Bangladesh is going through transition period with many senior cricketers are no longer part of the national set-up.

"We always speak to the captain and coaches before finalising the squad. But this time, the decision came late and we didn't have much time. Still, the coaching panel and selectors worked together," said Ashraf.

"Ahead of the World Cup, we'll have the Asia Cup, and bilateral series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. There will be plenty of chances to experiment. We want to head into the tournament with a performing unit - and Litton will play a key role in that," he said, adding that Litton is expected to take on the No.3 batting position in the T20 lineup, a spot that demands both stability and aggression.

"I think he'll bat at three. That position demands impact, and the team will try to prepare him accordingly," he said. "With the added responsibility of captaincy, Litton needs to deliver. Opponents have been targeting him with specific plans. With the new coach's guidance, we hope that can be addressed. Ultimately, though, it's the player's responsibility."

Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan: Litton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam.