Bangladesh Name Squad For Asia Cup 2026 And Asian Games

Tamim Iqbal the BCB President [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squads for the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026 and the 20th Asian Games, both of which will be held this year. Bangladesh will field the same women's cricket team for both tournaments, with no changes to the squad as of now.

The side will be led by captain Nigar Sultana Joty, with Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain. Bangladesh will compete in both major Asian tournaments, with the Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE, while the Asian Games will take place in Japan.

Bangladesh Women's squad for Asia Cup and Asian Games announced

The BCB has announced a 15-member squad, with top-order batter Sarmin Sultana returning to the national side. She last represented Bangladesh against Sri Lanka in May 2026 and replaced Taj Nehar, who featured in the previous World Cup.

BCB women's chief selector Sazzad Ahmed also clarified the reasons behind Taj's omission, as well as Dilara Akter's unavailability for the important tournaments ahead.

“We tried Taj but she failed, which prompted us to bring Sarmin. Our other opener Dola ( Dilara Akhter) is not among runs and that is the reason we are keeping another opener in the squad," BCB women’s wing chief selector Sazzad told Cricbuzz.

Women’s Asia Cup 2026 and Asian Games 2026 Squad for Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna

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Among the key players, Sobhana Mostary and Juairiya Ferdous will continue to be part of the core setup, alongside Shorna Akter, whose unbeaten knocks played a crucial role in Bangladesh's T20 World Cup victories over the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Ritu Moni has also been named in the squad, while Marufa Akter will spearhead the pace attack alongside Moni and Fariha Trishna.

Who are the most important assets for Bangladesh Women in the Asia Cup and Asian Games?

Among Bangladesh's most important players, Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter remain the most experienced members of the T20I setup. Sultana, as captain, has played 128 matches for Bangladesh and scored 2,653 runs in the format.

Bangladesh Women's top order is expected to revolve around Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akter, and Ferdous, who will be largely responsible for providing a solid foundation with the bat.

Bangladesh boast strong and experienced bowling department

The pace department will be led by the most experienced bowler in the format, Ritu Moni, who has taken 48 wickets in 94 T20I matches for Bangladesh at an average of 21.16. Marufa Akter and Fariha Trishna will support the attack led by Moni.

Meanwhile, Nahida's spin bowling will pose a threat to every opponent in the tournament. She has taken 123 wickets in the format at an average of 17.4 and an economy rate of 5.88.

Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Shorna Akter will further strengthen Bangladesh's spin department with their experience in the national setup.

Bangladesh Women will begin their Asia Cup 2026 campaign against Indonesia on August 31. After the conclusion of the tournament, moving on to the Asian Games, the Nigar Sultana-led party will face China in the first quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park on September 17.

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