Najmul Hossain Shanto omitted as Bangladesh name squad for Sri Lanka T20I series

Former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been left out of Bangladesh's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which begins on 10 July.

Since stepping down from T20I captaincy, Bangladesh have played two series – against the UAE and Pakistan. Despite being included in the squads for both tours, the left-hander, who has been struggling for form in the shortest format, featured in just one match (against the UAE) and was sidelined for the entirety of the Pakistan series.

Opener Naim Sheikh has earned a recall on the back of consistent domestic performances, while seamer Mohammad Saifuddin has also been included. Meanwhile, pacers Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Khaled Ahmed have been dropped.

Pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed returns to the side, and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed has been preferred over Tanvir Islam, who was part of the squad that faced Pakistan in May.

The second T20I will be held on 13 July in Dambulla, with the final match of the tour scheduled for 16 July in Colombo.

Bangladesh T20I squad:

Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.

Series itinerary:

• 10 July – 1st T20I – Kandy

• 13 July – 2nd T20I – Dambulla

• 16 July – 3rd T20I – Colombo