Left in the Dark, Litton Questions Bangladesh Selectors Over Shamim’s Exclusion from T20Is

The unexpected omission of Shamim Hossain from the T20I squad has angered Bangladesh captain Litton Das. He expressed his unhappiness over the decision, as the selectors kept him in the dark. Not only that, the head coach, Phil Simmons, was also not informed by the selectors, making the decision appear both unilateral and questionable.

The chief selector of the Bangladesh team, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, announced last Friday that Mahidul Islam Ankon would be added to the squad in place of Shamim Hossain. This decision raised eyebrows within the team, as Shamim had recently delivered strong performances in T20Is.

Speaking about the unilateral decision, Litton Das said that he didn’t know anything about this. He looked visibly unhappy over how selectors announced the change without taking him in confidence. Therefore, he quickly distanced himself from the decision, saying that it was not his call at all.

"I think it would have been better if [Shamim] was in the team. But this is not my call, [it is] totally the selectors' call. I don't know why, but the selector dropped Shamim without giving us notice.” said Litton Das.

“I have known that a captain would know which player would be in the team, and which player would be out of the team. I don't see any reason behind Shamim getting dropped. It would have been better if he was in the team." added Litton Das.

The captain then exposed some other directives. He said that recent orders had taken away his right to comment on squad selections. This means he cannot question the players who have been picked, as the selectors hold all the authority.

"The selection panel and board has told me that I have to totally work with whatever team they have selected. I can't have a say about which player I want or don't want. I have known for a long time that a captain has a planning for organizing the team. Recently, I have been informed that my job is to deliver something good from the field with [the] team that I have been given." said Litton Das.

He then doubled down on the fact that the captain and coach must be informed before any changes are made to the squad. He expressed concern about how selections will be handled for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He cautiously stated that if similar decisions are made during the tournament, he will do his best to select a competitive team from the available pool of players.

"I won't say it is insulting, but I think the captain and coach must be informed. We don't know anything about [the selection]. If the same thing happens during the World Cup, I will try to implement with the team to the best of my ability." said Litton Das.

Feel Sorry for Shamim Hossain, Says Litton Das

The Bangladesh captain then expressed solidarity with Shamim Hossain, saying that he was disappointed by how he was dropped from the squad. He personally apologized to Shamim for not being able to support him under the current circumstances. However, he clarified that it was not his decision to drop the youngster, as he had also not been consulted by the selectors.

"It won't disturb the team but [the situation] is disappointing. You can't expect the same performance in every series from every player. We have been trying to build a team for a long time. Why not Shamim? He performed extraordinarily in some of the series. Getting dropped from there, it is disappointing for Shamim.” said Litton Das.

"As a captain, I can't say anything more than sorry to Shamim. I don't expect all 15 players in my squad to perform at the same level. We have to back a player when he doesn't perform in two or three series. I am really sorry that I couldn't back him." added dejected Litton Das.

Bangladesh is currently playing against Ireland in a three-match T20I series at home. The visitors won the first game, adding plenty of pressure on the home side. The selectors would be closely watching this series to assess the performance of every player. If the results don’t go their way, we can once again expect plenty of changes in the Bangladesh squad before the start of the 2026 T20I World Cup.