Bangladesh middle-order batter Afif Hossain is set to return to international cricket after a long absence, with selectors likely to include him in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source close to the national selection panel confirmed the development to Cricbuzz on Wednesday. Selectors finalised the 15-member squad for the series, which will begin at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on March 11.
Pakistan will arrive in Dhaka on March 9. The second and third ODIs will also take place at the same venue on March 13 and March 15.
Afif last played an ODI for Bangladesh against West Indies in December 2024. After that match, selectors left him out of the national setup. However, his strong performances in domestic competitions pushed the selectors to reconsider him for the squad.
The left-hander performed well in the recently concluded Bangladesh Cricket League one-day tournament and the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup. He also scored 205 runs in 12 innings during the last Bangladesh Premier League at a strike rate of 121.
In the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup, Afif impressed with an unbeaten 60 off 36 balls for Durbar XI against Dhumketu XI. He followed that knock with a century for South Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League.
Bangladesh selectors want more stability in the middle order. Afif’s ability to bowl a few overs also helped his chances of returning to the national team.
“The selection panel wanted a left-hander in the late order. Afif fits the requirement because of his recent domestic form. Now the selectors want him to carry that form into international cricket,” the source said.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali could miss out on the series. The team management wants to bring Litton Kumar Das back into the ODI squad.
Team officials are still discussing Litton’s batting position. Some members of the management believe he could help the team more at number five instead of the top order.
Bangladesh will begin a preparation camp on March 6 before the Pakistan series. The national team will also play a practice match against Bangladesh A on March 7 as part of their preparations.