DHAKA, Aug 23, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu believes that Nurul Hasan Sohan and Saif Hasan forced their way back to the T20 squad by showing measured performances over the years. 

Gazi Ashraf-led selection panel announced the Bangladesh T20 squad for upcoming Netherlands series against Asia Cup yesterday night with little surprise.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was not included for the Netherlands series but was kept stand by for Asia Cup. His omission was largely due to his family reasons. 

Speaking to the media today in jam-packed press conference at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Ashraf said, “Unfortunately, we do not have many challenges or performers in case of like-to-like replacements.”
 
“Our confidence and trust lies in Sohan’s approach and pattern of play - especially in the No. 5 or 6 position. We think he is a very good choice, and we believe he is the best back-up for Jaker Ali Anik at the moment."

Sohan last played a T20 for the national team almost three years ago while Saif Hasan also did not get a place after the 2023 Asian Games. 

However, Naim Sheikh, who was in the last T20 squad was left out.

Both Sohan and Saif are currently on a tour of Australia with the Bangladesh 'A' team to play in the Top End T20 series. Sohan has scored 110 runs at a strike rate of 117.20 in the first five matches of the Top End T20 tournament. Earlier, he scored 182 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 138.93 for Rangpur Riders in the last BPL and 65 runs in five matches for the same team in the Global Super League (GSL) in July.

Saif Hasan also played in the same team with Sohan in the last BPL. He scored 306 runs in 13 matches and followed it up with 84 runs in four matches in GSL.

Saif scored 132 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 121.10 in the Top End T20Is.

Like Sohan, he was kept in the team as a back-up option, said Ashraf.

"He can bowl one or two overs. He can bat at No.3 or 4 position and if we need a ready opener, he is there,” Ashraf said, citing Saif as flexible option in batting order.

“He was included in the squad because we are looking for players who can contribute in various places like this," he added.

So far, Saif has 11 wickets with his off spin in 75 recognized T20 matches. He is also a handy bowling option in domestic first-class cricket and List 'A'.

Opener Naim Sheikh was brought back to the squad in July this year for the series against Sri Lanka. In that series, he scored 32 runs off 29 balls, which drew flak from various quarters.

He got two more chances against Pakistan but failed to justify his selection after being out for 10 off 3 and 10 off 19. 

The chief selector explained, “There are many things to consider before dropping someone from the team – how much he was able to do or whether the opportunity he was given was enough.”

“We felt that Naeem had worked hard, the promise he had shown, we were very optimistic that he would be able to retain his place,” he said.

The disappointment of the selectors over Naim’s failure is also clear in Ashraf’s words, “It would have been better for him and the team (if he had retained his place).”

“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. He also couldn’t do well in Top End T20 tournament. We believe Naim Sheikh now knows that he has to improve further to regain this place,” Gazi Ashraf said.

Bangladesh are pitted in Group B to play against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong in the Asia Cup starting on September 9. Before the Asia Cup, they will play a three-match T20 series against Netherland in Sylhet.