Litton Das Eyes a Rare Shot at Asian Games Gold

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-24

Bangladesh cricket captain Litton Das has one thing on his mind right now: gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. He spoke with reporters in Mirpur on September 23, 2026, just a day before the team flew out to Nagoya. For Das, this isn't just another tournament. It's a chance to chase something his country has only tasted once before. ### Why This Tournament Means So Much The Bangladesh men's team won gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. That remains the only gold medal Bangladesh has ever won at the Asian Games across any sport. Since then, the men's side has picked up bronze in 2014 and 2023. The women's team has also claimed two silvers and a bronze. Das and several senior players missed the 2023 edition because it clashed with the 50-over ICC Cricket World Cup. So yes, this one feels personal. "It's a rare opportunity," he said, and you can tell he means it. ### A Shortcut to the Quarter-Finals Asian Games organizers handed Bangladesh direct entry into the quarter-finals, alongside India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. That's a big advantage. No group-stage grind. Their first knockout match is set for September 29, 2026. The preliminary league runs from September 24 to 26, and officials will decide the quarter-final matchups after that. The squad travels to Japan in two separate flights on Thursday evening and night, basing themselves in Nagoya. The goal is simple: win three straight matches and take the title. ### Limited Match Rhythm, Plenty of Motivation Bangladesh heads into the tournament with mixed T20 form in 2026. They've played eight T20 Internationals this year, winning three and losing five. Those matches came against New Zealand, Australia, and Zimbabwe. Their last T20 series win was in July 2026, a 2-1 result over Zimbabwe. Das knows the numbers aren't perfect, but he's not worried. "The Asian Games is a different ball game," he said. Being around athletes from other sports adds a unique kind of energy, he explained. He also urged his teammates to learn from franchise leagues, pointing to Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman as examples of players who turned global T20 experience into opportunities for Bangladeshi cricket. ### A Late Squad Shake-Up Just before departure, Bangladesh hit an injury setback. Fast-bowling allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin picked up a right hamstring injury during training. Medical tests ruled him out of the entire tournament. National selectors called up 29-year-old mystery offspinner Aliss Al Islam as his replacement. Aliss earned his first senior T20 call-up after strong performances for Bangladesh A in an unofficial ODI series in South Africa. His inclusion gives the team more spin options. ### The Bigger Picture Das also linked a strong showing in Japan to Bangladesh's long-term goals. Cricket returns to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, and a good Asian Games run could boost the nation's pathway toward qualification. > "We're eager, we're excited, and we know what's at stake," Das said. "This is our chance to do something special for the country." For a team that's had its ups and downs, this is a moment to seize. And Das, for one, isn't planning to let it slip.