After being confused by Shamim Patowary’s absence from the three-match T20I series against Ireland starting in Chattogram on November 27, Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das criticised the Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led national selection panel.
Shamim, who missed the T20I squad, scored four ducks in his past eight outings and two runs in his last four. In 24 T20Is in 2025, Shamim scored 261 runs at 15.35 and 121.39.
It would have been better had Shamim here. The selectors decide, not me. “I wasn’t told Shamim was dropped,” Litton told reporters before the T20I series.
“A captain should know who is in and out, in my opinion. Not sure why he was excluded. Although Shamim would have been nice, the 15-man squad is sufficient.
“The selectors and board have told me to work with the team given to me. He said he no longer chooses who he wants. “I always believed a captain had a role in shaping the squad, but now it seems I just have to get the best out of the team I’m given,” he noted.
Litton said the selection panel, head coach, and captain must communicate better.
“It’s not offensive, but the coach and captain should know. Nothing is known. In the World Cup, I’ll work with the team I’m assigned.
It disappoints but won’t upset the team. Not every player plays every series. Building a stable squad was our goal. A couple Shamim series were perfect. No doubt, his removal disappoints him and me as captain. Sorry I couldn’t help him more when he struggled “stated.
Cricbuzz called Gazi Ashraf Hossain, who dismissed Litton’s claims. They consulted the captain about Shamim during the Test series against Ireland in Dhaka before finalising the squad, he said.
We usually talk—the selection panel talks—before announcing the final team. We sometimes agree with them in those discussions, but sometimes not “said Ashraf.
Due to our communication, Litton came to our selectors’ room on Day 4 of the Test match. Chatted with him.
I asked him, “What is your opinion about Shamim Patwari?” while we discussed our batting. What about his performance? He made it plain that he wants him on his team. I said, “You must have known what he has done in the last four-five matches.” He wanted him on the team despite knowing that. My response: “Okay. Received your thoughts. Many thanks.” He said the coach is aligned… Also vital is that the coach shares his views “said.
“On the sixth day, we discussed the team during lunch. Coach gave his opinion. Despite not discussing Shamim Patwari, the coach claimed he’s delighted with his batting unit. Yes. Coach also wants similar hitting unit. As the national selection panel, we have a goal and thought process.
“The selectors decided Shamim didn’t deserve a chance in the first two matches based on his recent results. Sending a message requires improvement. It’s straightforward. This happens always. Captain and coach perspectives are considered before making a decision.”
So the captain doesn’t have to approve everything. Our process,” he remarked. Shamim may have liked his performance. His performances may have disappointed us “added.
It is believed that the national selection panel dropped Shamim to test Jaker Ali or Nurul Hasan in that position and promoted Mahidul Islam in the T20I middle-order.
Litton and Ashraf have had a strained relationship since Litton was dropped from the ODI squad in 2024 during the home series against Sri Lanka. He was transferred from the team hotel to play in the Dhaka Premier League to restore his 50-over form. Litton missed the Champions Trophy due to his 50-over form.
India
