Asia Cup 2025: ‘History is meant to be broken’ - Litton Das focuses on present for Bangladesh's glory

Bangladesh captain Litton Das is hopeful of making history in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The team will open their campaign in Abu Dhabi on September 11 against Hong Kong, with all eyes on their 16-member unit as they aim to clinch their first-ever multi-nation title.

Litton acknowledged that the team will face several challenges and emphasized the need to improve collectively. However, the Bangla Tigers enter the tournament on the back of positive momentum, having secured three consecutive series wins, the away tour in Sri Lanka, at home against Pakistan, and against the Netherlands. Despite this, they carry the weight of a history of falling short in ICC and ACC tournaments.

"We haven't yet had a taste of the championship, but that's history. History is there to be broken. There will be many challenges here, it won't be easy. But we'll focus on how we can improve as a team,” said Litton during the trophy unveiling ceremony held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, September 9.

The top-order batter acknowledged that all teams in the tournament are strong but emphasized that the nation is eager to embrace the challenge. Under his leadership, Bangladesh’s win percentage has surged, and the top order has displayed greater intent, with significantly improved strike rates. All-in-all, the unit looks good to go to taste their maiden glory, eager to add the first feather to their cap.

"There's no sense of urgency. We've played very good cricket in the recent past and had quite a long camp. I think we're well prepared for the Asia Cup. All the teams are strong and it will be challenging, but we're eager to take that challenge and give our hundred percent,” said the Bangla Tigers skipper.

Litton has guided Bangladesh to six wins in eight matches, yet their ICC record remains modest, and their approach has often been tentative in situations that demand fearlessness. Despite the recent successes, Bangladesh are still ranked 10th in T20Is, and their head-to-head record in Gulf nations is underwhelming, with just one win in 17 games against Afghanistan. Their only previous encounter with Hong Kong, during the 2014 World Cup, also ended in defeat.

Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup 2025: Litton Das (captain & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin