Aliss Al Islam earns maiden ODI call-up as Bangladesh unveil squad for UAE tri-series

Bangladesh have named their 16-member ODI squad for the tri-series to be held in the United Arab Emirates, with mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam among the most notable inclusions. The 29-year-old has been rewarded with his first call-up to the 50-over format after a string of consistent performances in domestic List A cricket.

Litton Das has been confirmed as captain for the tournament, having replaced Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the ODI leadership role in July. Hasan Mahmud has also been recalled to the squad, while Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from a side strain. Bangladesh open their tri-series campaign against Zimbabwe on October 17 in Abu Dhabi, with Afghanistan completing the three-team field.

Why has Aliss Al Islam been selected for his first ODI squad?

Aliss has made a compelling case for international recognition through his List A record. Across 19 domestic matches, the mystery spinner has claimed 35 wickets at an average of 17.05 and an economy rate of 4.05, numbers that highlight his ability to make an impact while maintaining control throughout a spell.

His value extends beyond conventional spin. Aliss is capable of operating with the new ball, which offers Bangladesh a flexible option at the top of their bowling innings. Although his ODI experience is yet to begin, he is not without international exposure. He represented Bangladesh in one T20I at the Asian Games in Japan, giving him a first taste of the national environment before this 50-over opportunity arrived.

The UAE tri-series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe presents him with the platform to demonstrate whether his domestic consistency can translate into performances against international opposition across the longer white-ball format. The selection reflects Bangladesh's broader intention to combine established international performers with players seeking to strengthen their positions in the national setup.

How will Bangladesh manage their pace attack without Nahid Rana?

Nahid Rana has been left out of the squad as he continues to recover from a side strain sustained earlier in the year. The right-arm quick last featured in competitive cricket in July 2026 and has since been unavailable for the Test series in Australia, the Asian Games in Japan and the ongoing one-off Test against Afghanistan, making his absence a significant factor in Bangladesh's planning.

With Nahid sidelined, Bangladesh will look to Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam as their primary pace options. Hasan Mahmud's return to the squad strengthens that department and gives the selectors an additional seam bowling choice as they finalise their combinations for the tournament.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, though relieved of the captaincy, remains a key figure in the squad. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had indicated that easing his leadership responsibilities would allow him to concentrate fully on his all-round contributions with both bat and ball across the series. Litton Das, who impressed in the T20I leadership role before being handed the ODI captaincy, will now lead the side through the three-team competition.

Bangladesh full squad for UAE ODI tri-series

Litton Das (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Aliss Al Islam.