Bangladesh have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 amid the controversy surrounding Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. Litton Das will lead Bangladesh, with Saif Hassan named his deputy. Former skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was not selected despite his hundred for the Rajshahi Warriors against the Sylhet Titans in the BPL 2026.

Mustafizur has been in the news after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders, following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was signed by KKR for INR 9.20 crore in the mini-auction.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the board had asked the three-time champions to part ways with the fast bowler while allowing them to sign a replacement player.

Bangladesh’s interim government has instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to request the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a new venue for the team’s matches in the global tournament.

Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib are the five pacers in the squad. Mustafizur became the fastest speedster to reach 400 wickets in T20 cricket, scripting the milestone in his 315th match.

Bangladesh will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They are in Group C alongside Italy, Nepal, England, and the West Indies.

Bangladesh squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Litton Das (Captain), Saif Hassan (Vice Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mohammad Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Shoriful Islam.