Litton Das Eyes Rare Asian Games Gold for Bangladesh

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-24

Bangladesh captain Litton Das has a clear goal for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan: bring home the gold. He spoke to 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 shot at something his country has only achieved once before. ### A Direct Route to the Quarterfinals Unlike some teams, Bangladesh didn't have to grind through the preliminary league. Organizers gave them a direct pass to the quarterfinals, along with India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. That's a huge advantage. Their first knockout match is set for September 29, 2026. The preliminary stage runs from September 24 to 26, with other Asian sides battling it out. Once those matches wrap up, officials will decide who Bangladesh faces. The team plans to make the most of their seeded position. Three wins in a row, and they're champions. ### Chasing History Bangladesh's only Asian Games gold in any sport came back in 2010 in Guangzhou, China. That was cricket. Since then, they've picked up bronze in 2014 and 2023. The women's team has also done well, earning two silvers and a bronze. Litton Das and several senior players missed the 2023 Games because it clashed with the 50-over World Cup. So this time, it feels personal. "It's a rare opportunity," Das said. He believes a strong showing in Japan could also help Bangladesh's push toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket returns. ### Limited Match Practice, But High Hopes Bangladesh's T20 form in 2026 has been up and down. They've played eight T20 Internationals, winning three and losing five. Their last series win was against Zimbabwe in July, a 2-1 victory. Not exactly a confidence boost. But Das isn't worried. He pointed out that the Asian Games is a different beast. "It's a multi-sport event," he said. "You're surrounded by athletes from other sports. That energy is special." He also encouraged his teammates to play in franchise leagues around the world, citing Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman as examples of players who've grown by doing so. ### A Late Squad Shake-Up Just before departure, Bangladesh hit a snag. Fast-bowling allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin injured his right hamstring during training. Tests ruled him out of the entire tournament. That's a tough blow. In his place, selectors called up 29-year-old mystery offspinner Aliss Al Islam. Aliss earned his first senior T20 call-up after impressing for Bangladesh A in South Africa. His inclusion adds another spin option to the attack. ### What's Next? Bangladesh will base themselves in Nagoya. The delegation flew out on Thursday evening and night in two separate flights. Das described the mood as "eager" and "excited." The team knows the road is short but tough. If they can string together three wins, they'll match the class of 2010. And for a nation that loves cricket, that would mean everything. As Das put it, "We're not just playing for ourselves. We're playing for the whole country." With a direct route to the quarterfinals and a motivated captain, Bangladesh has a real shot. But they'll need to shake off their inconsistent form and find that extra gear. The Asian Games stage is set. Now it's up to them.