DHAKA, Aug 24, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) selection panel chairman Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu felt that they should be positive and logical at the same time about their aspiration for the upcoming Asia Cup.

"Our emotions are involved in cricket. When you are emotional, you always have to be positive," Ashraf said while explaining about the squad they announced for the Netherlands series and Asia Cup.

"From that place of emotion and positive thinking, I also hope that Bangladesh will be the champion (of the Asia Cup)."

"However, we have to analyze the data and think logically, where we stand, how easy or difficult the path is to achieve that. Because there are so many challenges involved."

This year's Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September. All competing countries have already announced their teams for the tournament. After Pakistan and India, Bangladesh announced a 16-member team for the Asia Cup yesterday (Friday).

Nurul Hasan Sohan and Saif Hasan returned to the fold while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Naim Sheikh were left out.

Bangladesh played Asia Cup final thrice in 2012, 2016 and 2018 but the trophy eluded them always.

"The Bangladesh team has the experience of playing in the Asia Cup final in the past. And I believe Bangladesh has a chance to play in the final this time too," Ashraf, also the former Bangladesh skipper added.

However, he also advised to play calculative cricket, rather than being emotional. According to him, everyone in the Asia Cup will play hard cricket.

Ashraf noted that Bangladesh had recently beat Sri Lanka in a T20 series, that too on Lankan den.

"We also have the experience of beating Afghanistan in a major tournament. So we know how to beat Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, who are in our group," he said.

"I don't think it should be tough for us to play the final. I think we have the chance to make a statement. Because, if we can do well here, we'll be able to give the rest of the world a message about our ability."