Towhid Hridoy to captain Bangladesh in Zimbabwe T20Is as Saifuddin returns
Bangladesh have appointed Towhid Hridoy as captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe after regular skipper Litton Das was granted leave to play in the Lanka Premier League. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the 15-man squad on Wednesday, with the return of pace-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and recalls for Mosaddek Hossain and Yasir Ali.
The leadership change is temporary rather than permanent. Litton, who has been leading Bangladesh's T20I side, has been allowed to honour his franchise commitments in the Lanka Premier League, while fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has also been released for the competition. Bangladesh will play all three T20Is against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on July 15, 17 and 19.
Why Towhid Hridoy gets the captaincy
Why Towhid Hridoy gets the captaincy
The appointment rewards one of Bangladesh's most consistent white-ball batters over the past two seasons. Hridoy has become a regular presence in the middle order since making his international debut in 2023 and now receives his first opportunity to captain the senior national side in T20 internationals.
The selectors also used the squad announcement to reshape the middle order. Mosaddek returns after strong recent ODI performances, while Yasir Ali is back in the T20I setup for the first time since the 2023 Asian Games. Meanwhile, Shamim Hossain has been rested following a prolonged run without significant scores.
“We picked Mosaddek as he is carrying a good form with the bat while he can also be handy as an off-spinner.”
— BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar.
Habibul Bashar explains the squad decisions
Chief selector Habibul Bashar said Bangladesh wanted greater flexibility in their bowling combination, which influenced Saifuddin's recall.
According to Bashar, the selectors intend to continue with a balance of two specialist fast bowlers alongside a pace-bowling all-rounder, a combination trialled in the recent Australia series. He also explained Yasir Ali's inclusion as an option capable of clearing the boundary late in the innings, while confirming that Najmul Hossain Shanto's name was discussed after Litton's absence created an opening but was ultimately left out. Bashar added that Shamim had been rested after struggling for runs across his last several innings.
What happens next for Bangladesh
Bangladesh's immediate focus shifts to the three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, where Hridoy will lead the side for the first time at senior international level. The tour also offers Saifuddin, Mosaddek and Yasir Ali an opportunity to strengthen their cases ahead of Bangladesh's preparations for future ICC white-ball events.
The squad announcement follows Bangladesh's difficult Test tour of Zimbabwe and gives the selectors an opportunity to assess combinations in a different format before the next phase of the international calendar. The first T20I is scheduled for July 15 in Bulawayo.