Litton Das Eyes Bangladesh's First Asian Games Gold Since 2010

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-24

### A Captain on a Mission in Nagoya Litton Das isn't mincing words. Bangladesh's captain wants gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, and he's treating this like the chance of a lifetime. "This is a rare opportunity," he told reporters in Mirpur on September 23, 2026, just before the squad flew out. "We're not here to make up the numbers." His team lands in Nagoya with a clear goal: win three straight knockout games and bring home Bangladesh's first Asian Games gold since 2010. ### A Rare Shot at Redemption Here's what makes this run so special. Bangladesh won gold at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. That remains the country's only gold medal in Asian Games history across any sport. Since then, the men's cricket team has settled for bronze in 2014 and 2023. Das and several senior players missed the 2023 edition because it clashed with the 50-over World Cup. Now they're back, and the motivation is personal. "We want to repeat what happened in 2010," Das said. "And a strong result here could help our pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where cricket returns." ### Direct Entry, but No Room for Error Asian Games organizers handed Bangladesh a direct spot in the quarter-finals, alongside India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their first knockout match is set for September 29, 2026. The preliminary league stage runs from September 24 to 26, with opponents decided after those games wrap up. The squad travels to Japan in two separate flights on Thursday evening and night. They'll base their campaign in Nagoya. As a seeded team, they need just three wins to take the title. But there's a catch: Bangladesh hasn't played much T20 cricket in 2026. In eight T20 Internationals this year, they've won three and lost five. Their last series win came in July 2026, a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. "International players play bilateral tours and franchise leagues all the time," Das admitted. "But the Asian Games is a different ball game. You're in a multi-sport event with athletes from other disciplines. That adds something extra." He pointed to former captains Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman as examples of players whose global franchise experience opened doors for Bangladeshi cricket. ### A Late Squad Shake-Up Just before departure, Bangladesh suffered a blow. Fast-bowling allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin injured his right hamstring during training. Medical tests ruled him out for the entire tournament. National selectors called up 29-year-old mystery offspinner Aliss Al Islam as his replacement. Aliss earned his maiden senior T20 call-up after impressing for Bangladesh A in an unofficial ODI series in South Africa. His inclusion gives the squad more spin options. ### What's at Stake For Das, this isn't just about a medal. It's about building momentum for Bangladesh cricket on the world stage. A gold in Nagoya would be a statement. It would also boost the country's push toward Olympic qualification in 2028. "We're eager, we're excited," Das said. "And we're ready to fight for it." With three wins needed and a squad hungry to prove itself, Bangladesh's Asian Games campaign is one to watch.