Why Jaker Ali is Not in Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

Bangladesh have announced a 15-member squad for the much-awaited T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. The squad has some surprising inclusions and exclusions, which have raised a lot of questions among the fans and cricket experts. The team will be led by their regular skipper Litton Das, who is also an opening batter. However, there's one name in the squad that is missing, and fans are curious to know the reason behind it.

Why Jaker Ali is Not in BAN Squad for T20 World Cup 2026?

Jaker Ali T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion has raised a lot of eyebrows. He is a wicketkeeper batter who has played 48 T20I matches for Bangladesh. Despite having experience of playing almost 50 international matches in the shortest format, the Bangladesh Cricket Board decided to drop him. The reason behind his exclusion is said to be his being out of form for a long time. Jaker has been dropped from the squad for the first time since March 2024.

In 48 T20I matches, Jaker Ali has managed to score only 752 runs at an average of 25.06 with a strike-rate of 123.07. He has also faced a lot of criticism for his predominantly leg-side batting style, which is also one of the reasons why he's left out. Jaker Ali replacement can be Shamim Hossain, who was recently recalled by BCB during the Ireland series. However, Jaker was also leading the Bangladesh side in the Asia Cup 2025 and his exclusion from the squad ahead of big tournament is big step by the management.

Bangladesh Schedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Bangladesh are placed in Group C along with Nepal, West Indies, England, and Italy. They will start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 7 against the two-time champions and one of the best T20 team in the world, West Indies. Bangladesh's all four matches of the tournament are scheduled to take place in India, while three of them will be played at Eden Gardens. However, considering the current situation between the two neighbouring countries, the venues can be changed later.

Bangladesh Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Litton Das (C), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Shaif Uddin, Shoriful Islam.