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Bangladesh to stay back in UAE despite Asia Cup 2025 exit for Afghanistan series

Akshita Patel

Bangladesh scheduled to compete against Afghanistan [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]Bangladesh scheduled to compete against Afghanistan [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]

Bangladesh’s Asia Cup journey came to an end with a defeat against Pakistan in the virtual semi-final on Thursday. But there’s no time for the Tigers to rest, as they will stay in the UAE for their upcoming bilateral series against Afghanistan.

The series includes 3 T20I matches on October 2, 3, and 5, followed by 3 ODIs on October 8, 11, and 14. Practice sessions are already scheduled to begin on September 29, meaning players in the T20I squad for the Afghanistan series won’t get a chance to return home.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das doubtful for the Afghanistan series

After the Asia Cup 2025, Bangladesh will also switch hotels on September 29. Players not selected for the Afghanistan series will head back to Bangladesh, while a few new players may join the squad to strengthen the team.

Although the dates for the series are confirmed, the exact venues are yet to be finalised. The ODIs are expected to be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, while the T20Is are likely to take place in Sharjah or Dubai.

T20I captain Litton Das, who missed the last 2 crucial Super Four matches of the Asia Cup due to a back strain, remains a doubt for the Afghanistan series. His fitness will be closely monitored before the series begins.

With barely any break between tournaments, Bangladesh will now focus on bouncing back quickly. The squad is keen to begin afresh against Afghanistan and build confidence before future international tests.

Tigers coach blames Litton Das’ absence for Asia Cup fallout

Bangladesh’s Asia Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they fell 11 runs short against Pakistan, chasing a modest 136. The Tigers’ batting unravelled without captain Litton Das, sidelined with a muscle strain.

Head coach Phil Simmons repeatedly cited Litton’s absence as a major factor, saying, “When someone of his class is suddenly unavailable, the situation gets tough.” 

Nervous starts and poor shot selection saw key batters like Towhid Hridoy and Saif Hasan dismissed, while questionable promotions in the order added to the chaos. Despite a late effort from Rishad Hossain, Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the final vanished.