Bangladesh national cricket team will head into their upcoming ODI series against Pakistan national cricket team without two key fast bowlers after injuries ruled them out of the squad. Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have both been sidelined ahead of the three-match series scheduled in Dhaka.
Mahmud is currently dealing with a tennis elbow in his right arm, while Tanzim has been ruled out due to a back injury, forcing the selectors to adjust the bowling lineup. Their absence will slightly weaken Bangladesh’s pace attack, though the team still retains experienced seamers to fill the gap.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has named a 15-member squad for the series, which will be captained by all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The series is expected to play an important role in preparing both teams for upcoming international commitments.
Afif Hossain Earns Recall to the National Side
One of the most notable developments in the squad announcement is the return of Afif Hossain, who has been recalled to strengthen Bangladesh’s middle order. Afif had previously been a regular part of the team but lost his place after a dip in form.
The selectors believe his experience and recent domestic performances justify another opportunity at the international level. Afif’s ability to stabilize innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset in the ODI format.
Meanwhile, middle-order batter Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has retained his place in the squad. The team management sees him as a promising player capable of delivering impactful performances if given consistent opportunities.
Chairman of selectors Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained the reasoning behind the changes in the batting lineup. According to him, several players were tried in the middle order over recent months, but some were unable to secure their spots due to inconsistent performances.
He emphasized that Afif’s experience and current form made him the right candidate to return to the side, while Mahidul continues to be viewed as a player with significant potential.
Some Players Miss Out After Previous Series
The squad also features a few significant omissions compared to the team that played the ODI series against the West Indies national cricket team in October 2025.
Players such as Quazi Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain have not been included in the latest selection. Their exclusion suggests that the selectors are looking to reshuffle the squad and give opportunities to other players who may better fit the team’s current strategy.
Such decisions are common as teams attempt to identify their strongest combinations ahead of major international tournaments and bilateral series.
Faith Maintained in Litton Das Despite Recent Struggles
Another talking point surrounding the squad announcement is the recent form of wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. While Litton has been a crucial part of Bangladesh’s batting lineup in the past, his performances in recent ODI matches have raised some concerns.
Despite those struggles, the selectors have chosen to keep faith in the experienced batter. According to Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Litton has been working closely with the coaching staff to address technical issues in his game.
The management believes that he still possesses the quality and experience required to contribute significantly, particularly in the middle order where stability and composure are often essential.
Retaining Litton in the squad signals the team’s confidence that he can rediscover his best form in the near future.
Important Series Ahead in Dhaka
The ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan will consist of three matches, all scheduled to take place at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The matches are set to be played on March 11, March 13 and March 15, offering both teams an opportunity to test their combinations and build momentum.
For Bangladesh, the series provides a chance to evaluate their squad depth and refine strategies, particularly with several younger players now being integrated into the team setup.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to challenge the hosts in familiar subcontinental conditions and continue building consistency in the ODI format.
ALSO READ – India Edge Past England in Thriller to Reach T20 World Cup Final
Bangladesh’s Squad for the ODI Series
The 15-member Bangladesh squad for the series is as follows:
Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
This lineup blends experienced international performers with emerging players who are eager to establish themselves at the highest level.
Opportunity for New Faces to Shine
With injuries forcing some changes and selectors experimenting with the batting order, the upcoming ODI series could become an important platform for several players to prove their worth.
The absence of two frontline pacers may create opportunities for other bowlers to step up, while the reshuffled middle order will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As Bangladesh prepares to host Pakistan in Dhaka, the series promises to deliver competitive cricket while also giving insight into the team’s evolving structure and future direction.