Litton Das Appointed Bangladesh T20I Captain Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Litton Das Appointed Bangladesh T20I Captain: In a significant development for Bangladesh cricket, Litton Das has officially been appointed as the T20I captain, a decision confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday, May 4. This appointment comes as the national team prepares for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, signaling a new chapter under Litton’s leadership.

The T20I captaincy became vacant after Najmul Hossain Shanto voluntarily stepped down from the role, citing the demands of leading the team across all formats. Shanto’s decision paved the way for a more streamlined leadership structure, allowing the BCB to implement a long-term plan with Litton at the helm.

Litton previously captained Bangladesh in a T20I series in the West Indies and demonstrated solid leadership capabilities. His promotion to full-time captain aligns with the board’s vision to build a competitive team ahead of the global event.

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Litton Das Appointed Bangladesh T20I Captain

According to BCB cricket operations chairman Najmul Abedin Fahim, the decision to appoint Litton as captain reflects a strategic move for long-term stability. “Litton Das will lead the side until the T20 World Cup next year. His experience stands out in the current squad, where we have a shortage of seasoned players. We know questions have been raised about his recent form, but we believe in his ability to bounce back. If he can channel his strengths, he’ll be vital for us moving forward,” Fahim stated.

As part of the new leadership structure, all-rounder Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain for the next two T20I series in the UAE and Pakistan. However, Fahim clarified that Mahedi’s appointment is temporary and part of a broader experimentation phase. “We want to prepare a future leader under the mentorship of the current one,” he added.

Fahim also emphasized that captaincy in other formats remains under discussion. “We are working on finding suitable leaders for the Test and ODI formats. These roles are not just about match-day decisions; they require ongoing commitment and communication. Test matches will resume in about two to two-and-a-half months, and we’ll announce captains well before that.”

The newly announced T20I squad includes 16 players, with a blend of experience and young talent. This marks Litton’s first full-time series as captain and serves as a litmus test for his leadership.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that Bangladesh is in a transitional phase as many senior players have moved on. “Litton has to lead from the front. The captaincy comes with responsibility, especially when the team is undergoing changes. He needs to inspire the side through performance and composure,” Hossain noted.

He further explained the selection process, revealing that due to time constraints, the coaching staff and selectors had to work closely and swiftly to finalize the team. “We had limited time to finalize the squad. Even though Litton couldn’t be consulted extensively this time, we’re confident the selections align with the vision going forward,” he said.

Bangladesh’s upcoming fixtures will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup. The team is expected to participate in the Asia Cup and bilateral series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. These games will provide Litton with ample opportunities to settle into his role and develop a core team.

Ashraf also hinted that Litton is likely to bat at No. 3 in the T20 batting lineup. “That spot requires someone who can anchor the innings while accelerating when needed. Litton has that blend. With captaincy, he’ll need to bring consistency, especially when opponents are actively targeting him with game plans,” he added.

Ashraf concluded by saying that while coaching input is vital, it ultimately falls on Litton to rise to the occasion. “With a new coach in place, we’re confident Litton will benefit from guidance, but the onus remains on him to adapt and lead.”

Bangladesh Squad for Upcoming T20I Series in UAE and Pakistan: