Dhaka/Kabul, Aug 5: With the 2025 T20 Asia Cup drawing closer, cricketing powerhouses Bangladesh and Afghanistan have announced their preliminary squads, gearing up for not just the regional showdown but also important preparatory series that promise to sharpen their edge in the format.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday revealed a 24-member preliminary squad ahead of the T20 series against the Netherlands and the Asia Cup. The selection signals a balance of youth and experience, with selectors banking on consistent domestic and overseas performances.
Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Saif Hassan have been rewarded for their recent form. Despite a lukewarm outing against Pakistan, Naim Sheikh retains the faith of the selectors, while Soumya Sarkar returns after missing the previous assignment—raising hopes of a potential comeback to the national T20 setup.
Key members of Bangladesh’s batting core—Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—also feature in the lineup, ensuring continuity and stability at the top order.The players have been asked to report to Mirpur on August 6 for an initial fitness camp, with skill-based sessions kicking off from August 15. A full-fledged preparation camp will begin in Sylhet from August 20, giving the squad ample time to settle into rhythm ahead of crucial fixtures.Over in Kabul, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has also laid out its roadmap for the 2025 T20 season by naming a 22-member provisional squad led by the charismatic Rashid Khan. The squad will feature in both the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup, both slated to be held in the UAE.The squad will participate in an intensive two-week training camp, as the Afghan side looks to capitalise on their traditional strength—spin bowling. (Agencies)
Afghanistan Squad:
Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharoti, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Zadran, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Farid Malik, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad.
Bangladesh Squad:
Litton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Saif Hassan.