Litton Das Targets Gold as Bangladesh Prepare for Asian Games Cricket

Bangladesh captain Litton Das is looking forward to making his Asian Games debut as the national team sets its sights on winning a second gold medal in the men’s cricket competition.

Bangladesh won the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, the country’s only gold in the history of the continental event. They later claimed bronze medals in 2014 and 2023.

For Litton, who missed Bangladesh’s previous Asian Games appearance in 2023 because it coincided with the 50-over World Cup, the tournament represents a rare opportunity.

“I have played for the Bangladesh team for a long time, but it is my first time playing in the Asian Games,” Litton said. “We are always targeting trophies, but this time the big dream is to win the gold medal. All the players are really excited about it.”

The Bangladesh captain also believes the tournament could provide valuable experience beyond cricket. He said participating in a multi-sport event would allow the players to interact with athletes from different disciplines and learn from their experiences.

Bangladesh are also hoping to reach the final, which could potentially help their ambitions of securing a place in the 2028 Olympics.

“Everyone wants to contribute for their country. We are able to do it through cricket,” Litton said. “We will definitely face some challenges, but we are focused on doing well in the matches. We want to reach the Asian Games final, which will give us a shot at a place in the Olympics, which will ultimately help the rest of the sports in this country.”

T20I preparation remains a concern

Bangladesh’s limited experience in T20 internationals this year remains one of the team’s concerns heading into the competition. They have won three of their eight completed T20Is in 2026, recording bilateral series victories against New Zealand, Australia and Zimbabwe.

Their most recent assignment was a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in July, which Bangladesh won 2-1.

Litton, however, believes the team’s training camp in Dhaka and two practice matches have helped the players prepare. He also pointed to the growing involvement of Bangladeshi cricketers in franchise T20 leagues around the world as an important development.

“I think the more Bangladesh players take part in these leagues, the better it will be for our overall game,” he said. “People used to know about Bangladesh when Shakib bhai or Fizz played in the franchise circuit. There’s always more opportunity for other players when one or two players are playing in the franchise circuit.”

Yasir Ali in contention for lower-middle order role

Bangladesh will also use the tournament to assess their options in the lower-middle order, with Yasir Ali expected to receive opportunities after returning to the side.

Yasir impressed during the recent series against Zimbabwe, and Litton indicated that the team would give him time to establish himself.

“We are focused on finding better options in the lower order of our line-up,” Litton said. “At the moment, Rabbi [Yasir] has returned to the side. He has done well in Zimbabwe. Bangladesh generally has three or four options to bat in the lower-middle order. We will look at all our options, and play the most suitable batter.”

Saifuddin ruled out

Bangladesh have suffered an injury setback ahead of the Asian Games, with allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin ruled out of the tournament because of a hamstring injury.

In his place, 29-year-old mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam has received his maiden T20I call-up.

Despite the setback, Bangladesh remain focused on their goal of reaching the final and challenging for the gold medal.

For Litton, the Asian Games will also be an opportunity to experience the wider sporting culture of the event. Having studied at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the country’s national sports institute, he said he has always been interested in other disciplines.

“I think if we get the time, we will definitely catch up on the rest of the games,” Litton said. “There will be a lot to learn from other sports personalities. We can talk to athletes from various countries.”

With a gold medal already in their Asian Games history, Bangladesh will now look to add another when their cricket campaign gets underway.