BANGLADESH T20I skipper, Litton Das, took a swipe at the Gazi Ashraf Hossain-led national selection panel after being bemused by the omission of Shamim Patowary from the ongoing three-match T20I series against Ireland, scheduled to commence in Chattogram from November 27.
Shamim, who failed to make a cut in the T20I squad, scored four ducks in his last eight games while scoring only two runs in his last four games. In 2025, Shamim played 24 T20Is and managed to score only 261 runs at an average of 15.35 and a strike-rate of 121.39.
“Of course, it would’ve been better if he (Shamim) was here. But it’s not my call – it’s the selectors’ call. I wasn’t informed about Shamim being dropped,” Litton told reporters ahead of the T20I series.
“I always thought a captain should know which player is coming in or going out. I don’t see a reason behind his exclusion. Whoever is in the 15-man squad is capable – still, yes, having Shamim would’ve been good.
“I’ve been clearly told by the selectors and the board that I have to work with whichever team is given to me. So I no longer have a say on who I want or don’t want,” he said. “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 added.
Litton said that better communication is required between the selection panel, head coach and the captain going forward. “I won’t call it insulting, but yes, the coach and captain should be aware. We are not aware of anything. And if the same thing happens in the World Cup, I’ll still just work with the team I’m given.
“It won’t disrupt the team, but it is disappointing. Not every player performs in every series. We tried to build a settled squad. Shamim gave us exactly what we needed in a few series. So yes, his exclusion is disappointing for him – and as captain, for me too. I’m sorry I couldn’t back him more when he struggled,” he said.
When contacted by Cricbuzz, Gazi Ashraf Hossain brushed aside Litton’s allegations. He said Litton was informed about the squad as they had taken views of the captain regarding Shamim during the Test series against Ireland in Dhaka before finalising the squad.
“Basically, it’s a normal practice that we talk – meaning the selection panel talks – before announcing the final declared team. We are often aligned in those discussions with them, the conversations they have sometimes match with mine, sometimes they don’t,” said Ashraf.
“And in this series what happened – I think on Day 4 of the Test match, Litton came to our selectors’ room because we had communicated. We had a chat with him.