Bangladesh have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in the United Arab Emirates, with Litton Das set to lead the side in a competition featuring Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The tournament begins on 17 October 2026, with all matches scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi and the final set for 23 October.
The series will provide Bangladesh with an important opportunity to assess their ODI combination as preparations continue for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. With Litton taking charge and Tawhid Hridoy appointed as his deputy, the team will look to build consistency and establish a reliable combination ahead of the next major international tournament.
Experienced campaigners, promising young players and several familiar faces feature in the squad. Former ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has retained his place, while fast bowler Hasan Mahmud is also included following his involvement in Bangladesh’s historic Test victory in Australia.
Litton Das to lead Bangladesh in UAE tri-series
Litton Das will captain Bangladesh in the three-team competition after being appointed ODI skipper earlier in 2026. The upcoming tournament will give him another opportunity to develop his leadership approach and guide the team through competitive matches against two familiar international opponents.
Tawhid Hridoy has been named vice-captain. His role will be important as Bangladesh look to maintain stability in the batting order and build partnerships in the middle overs.
Bangladesh will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on 17 October before facing Afghanistan four days later, on 21 October. Their performance in these matches will determine their position heading into the final, scheduled for 23 October.
The round-robin format leaves little room for error. Each team will face the other two sides once, making every group-stage match important in the race for a place in the final.
For Bangladesh, the series is about more than winning a short tournament. It is also an opportunity to evaluate player form, test combinations and identify areas that need improvement before the 2027 World Cup.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Mahmud included
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is among the most experienced names in the Bangladesh squad. The all-rounder’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team flexibility, particularly in conditions where controlling the middle overs could prove decisive.
His experience as a former ODI captain is another valuable asset for Litton Das. Having senior players who understand the demands of international cricket can help a new captain manage pressure and make important decisions during tight matches.
Hasan Mahmud has also earned a place in the squad. The fast bowler attracted attention following Bangladesh’s historic first Test victory in Australia, achieved in Darwin. Although the upcoming competition will be played in the 50-over format, his inclusion adds another pace option to Bangladesh’s bowling resources.
The squad also features established fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam. Their presence gives Bangladesh several options when building a pace attack for different match situations.
Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provide additional spin-bowling choices. How Bangladesh balance their pace and spin options could become an important factor during the tournament.
Aliss Al Islam receives maiden ODI call-up
One of the notable developments in the squad announcement is the inclusion of off-spinner Aliss Al Islam, who has received his maiden ODI call-up.
Aliss previously made his T20 International debut against Sri Lanka during the Asian Games. His selection for the UAE tri-series represents an opportunity to take the next step in his international career and demonstrate his suitability for the longer white-ball format.
An ODI debut would give the team management a closer look at his ability to bowl longer spells, maintain control through the middle overs and adapt to different batting approaches.
Bangladesh have included a range of spin options, suggesting that the team management wants sufficient flexibility when selecting its playing XI. Whether Aliss makes his ODI debut during the tournament will depend on team balance, conditions and the coaching staff’s assessment of the opposition.
His inclusion also adds depth to the squad as Bangladesh continue to assess players who could contribute to their plans over the coming months.
Nahid Rana misses out through injury
Fast bowler Nahid Rana has not been included in the squad as he continues his recovery from a side strain.
His absence means Bangladesh will have to rely on their available pace resources throughout the competition. Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam are among the specialist fast bowlers named in the squad.
A side strain can require careful management, particularly for fast bowlers, who place considerable physical demands on their bodies. Bangladesh will want Rana to recover fully rather than risk aggravating the injury during a short tournament.
His absence could also create opportunities for other members of the pace attack to strengthen their claims for future ODI selection.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, managing player fitness and ensuring adequate bowling depth will remain important considerations for the Bangladesh team management.
Full Bangladesh squad for UAE ODI tri-series
Bangladesh have selected the following 16 players for the tri-series:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Litton Das (captain) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Tawhid Hridoy | Batter, vice-captain |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim | Batter |
| Saif Hassan | Batter |
| Soumya Sarkar | Batting all-rounder |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Batter |
| Musaddek Hossain Saikat | All-rounder |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
| Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Rishad Hossain | Leg-spinner |
| Tanvir Islam | Spinner |
| Taskin Ahmed | Fast bowler |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Fast bowler |
| Hasan Mahmud | Fast bowler |
| Shoriful Islam | Fast bowler |
| Aliss Al Islam | Off-spinner |
The squad combines experienced international players with opportunities for emerging talent. Bangladesh will be hoping that the mix delivers enough batting depth, bowling variety and flexibility to compete against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
UAE ODI tri-series 2026: Full schedule
All four matches are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17 October 2026 | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe | Abu Dhabi |
| 19 October 2026 | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | Abu Dhabi |
| 21 October 2026 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | Abu Dhabi |
| 23 October 2026 | Final | Abu Dhabi |
Bangladesh will open the competition against Zimbabwe before taking on Afghanistan in their second round-robin fixture. The final will be played on 23 October, with the participating teams competing for the tournament title.
The compact schedule means recovery and squad rotation could play a role, especially for fast bowlers. Teams will also need to adjust quickly to their opponents rather than rely on lengthy preparation between matches.
What the tri-series means for Bangladesh ahead of the 2027 World Cup
The UAE tri-series arrives at a useful stage in Bangladesh’s preparations for the next ODI World Cup. Although the tournament features only three teams and a limited number of matches, it offers a competitive setting in which the squad can test its strengths.
Litton Das will be expected to provide direction as captain, while Hridoy’s appointment as deputy gives the leadership group another option for supporting decisions on the field. Senior players such as Mehidy Hasan Miraz can also help maintain composure during difficult periods.
Bangladesh will need their top order to provide solid starts, their middle order to manage pressure and their bowlers to remain disciplined against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The ability to defend totals and chase targets under pressure could prove particularly important in deciding the final standings.
The competition will also help the team management assess emerging options such as Aliss Al Islam. With Nahid Rana unavailable, the series offers other bowlers an opportunity to make an impression.
However, selection alone does not guarantee a place in the eventual World Cup squad. Consistent performances, fitness and suitability for the team’s requirements will all matter as Bangladesh move closer to the 2027 tournament.
For now, the immediate target is to start strongly against Zimbabwe and build momentum before the Afghanistan fixture. A place in the final would give Bangladesh another opportunity to test themselves under competitive conditions.
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