Litton Das ruled out of ODI tri-series with hip injury, Hridoy to captain Bangladesh
Synopsis
Bangladesh's ODI tri-series in the UAE has been upended before a ball is bowled — captain Litton Das failed his fitness test for a right hip injury, handing Towhid Hridoy an unexpected first taste of ODI captaincy. With Mehidy Hasan Miraz also sidelined by fever for the opener, Bangladesh head into the World Cup prep tournament short of two key figures.
Key Takeaways
Litton Das has been ruled out of the UAE ODI tri-series after failing a fitness test for a right hip joint injury.
Towhid Hridoy , 25, will captain Bangladesh for the first time in ODIs, becoming the country's 18th ODI captain in the men's format.
Litton was appointed Bangladesh's full-time ODI captain in July 2026 and had led the side in seven ODIs previously.
Senior all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is also absent from the opening game against Zimbabwe due to fever .
All tri-series matches, including the 23 October final, will be played in Abu Dhabi ; Bangladesh face Afghanistan on 21 October .
Bangladesh captain Litton Das has been ruled out of the ODI tri-series in the UAE involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, after failing a fitness test for a right hip joint injury. Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy will step in as captain — his first time leading Bangladesh in an ODI — as the side prepares to compete in Abu Dhabi starting 17 October 2026.
What the Injury Report Shows
Team physiotherapist Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed the setback in a video message, saying Litton had reported discomfort and was sent for an MRI scan. 'Litton Das complained of right hip joint discomfort yesterday, so we had an MRI done. The MRI report shows a slight issue in his right hip joint,' Bayjedul said.
Despite attempting to pass a fitness test on the day, Litton was unable to meet the required benchmark. 'He is not available for this series,' Bayjedul added. The injury means Litton will miss what would have been his first ODI series as Bangladesh's full-time captain, a role he was appointed to in July 2026. He had previously led Bangladesh in seven ODIs.
Hridoy Steps Up as the 18th ODI Captain
The 25-year-old Towhid Hridoy becomes the 18th player to captain Bangladesh in men's ODIs — a notable milestone for a player still cementing his place in the middle order. His appointment comes at a significant juncture, as Bangladesh uses the tri-series to sharpen preparations ahead of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh Hit by Double Setback
The captaincy disruption is compounded by a second absence: senior all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been ruled out of the opening match against Zimbabwe due to fever. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first in the tournament opener in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The back-to-back absences put Bangladesh's team balance under early pressure in the competition.
Tri-Series Schedule and Format
The three-team tournament features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, with each side playing the others in a league stage before the top two nations contest the final. Bangladesh face Afghanistan on 21 October, Zimbabwe meet Afghanistan on 19 October, and the final is set for 23 October. All matches will be played in Abu Dhabi.
With the World Cup cycle firmly in view, how Hridoy manages his first assignment in charge could shape Bangladesh's leadership planning in the months ahead.
Point of View
This tri-series was meant to be a confidence-building run for a newly minted captain; instead, Hridoy is thrown in at the deep end without preparation. The Mehidy Hasan Miraz absence compounds the concern: Bangladesh's top-order stability and spin depth are simultaneously compromised. The broader question is whether Bangladesh Cricket Board's succession planning is robust enough to absorb such disruptions, or whether the team remains critically dependent on a small circle of senior players.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Litton Das been ruled out of the ODI tri-series?
Litton Das has been ruled out due to a right hip joint injury. An MRI scan revealed a slight issue in his right hip, and he subsequently failed the required fitness test, confirming he will miss the entire UAE tri-series.
Who will captain Bangladesh in Litton Das's absence?
Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy will captain Bangladesh, making him the 18th player to lead the side in men's ODIs. The 25-year-old has not captained Bangladesh in this format before.
What is the format and schedule of the UAE ODI tri-series?
The tri-series features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe in a league stage, with the top two teams meeting in the final on 23 October. Bangladesh face Afghanistan on 21 October, and Zimbabwe play Afghanistan on 19 October, with all matches held in Abu Dhabi.
Is Mehidy Hasan Miraz also unavailable for Bangladesh?
Yes, senior all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been ruled out of Bangladesh's opening match against Zimbabwe due to fever, adding to the team's pre-tournament injury concerns.
Why does this tri-series matter for Bangladesh cricket?
The tri-series is part of Bangladesh's preparations for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. It was also intended to serve as Litton Das's first full series as Bangladesh's appointed ODI captain, a role he took on in July 2026.
