DHAKA, May 4, 2025 (BSS) - Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Lipu said that Najmul Hossain Shanto was included into the Bangladesh T20 squad for UAE and Pakistan tour for his experience.

Shanto's inclusion raised an eyebrow due to his poor performance in this format. Even though he was the captain in this format also alongside ODI and Test, he stepped down amid criticism.

Liton Das who led the side in historical 3-0 series sweep over West Indies in December last year in absence of Shanto was appointed as new captain in this format until 2026 T20 World Cup.

"Shanto was our former captain and if you look at the team, you feel you need experience, something what he can give us," Ashraf said here today while announcing the team.

"At the top, we have Soumya (Sarkar) and Liton, who have played 90 or so matches. But then when you see the middle order and lower middle order, we have no players with experience. For a team, experience is needed."
Shanto has played 49 T20Is and scored 960 runs at an average of 22.85 and a strike rate of 108.35.

"Shanto also seems to have not played 50 matches yet, he has played 40 or so matches. So, you always need to carry some experience with the team," Ashraf added.
 
Shant also did not have a good time in the last season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) either. After playing only five matches for the champion Fortune Barisal, he was axed from the playing XI.

Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal cited 'team combination' issue for Shanto's axe, but he scored just 56 runs at an average of 11.20 and a strike rate of 119.14. The poor performance is believed to lead his exclusion.
The BCB chief selector added that those who had the capability to get in to the team but didn't have a call up, will get a call in the future through normal process.

"And those who can compete for the place of Shanto, maybe Mahidul Islam Ankon or Naim Sheikh or some other players else, would get a call up through normal process," he said.

"There is no reason to be disappointed. They will get their call very soon because we have many matches scheduled in future."

Bangladesh will play a two-match T20 series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this month. They will then travel to Pakistan for a five-match T20 series.