Dhaka, June 23: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, set to take place from July 2 to 8. Notable inclusions are Litton Das and left-handed opener Naim Sheikh, who have both been recalled to the team.

The series will kick off in Colombo, with the first two matches scheduled there, followed by the final ODI in Pallekele.

Naim Sheikh makes his return to the ODI format after nearly two years, while Litton Das joins him along with other familiar players such as Shamim Patwary, Tanvir Islam, and Hasan Mahmud.

However, the squad sees the absence of veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, who have retired from ODIs, and Soumya Sarkar and Nasum Ahmed, who have been omitted.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman are back in the squad after recovering from injuries that sidelined them during the recent T20I series.

Naim Sheikh, who debuted in ODIs against Zimbabwe in March 2020, has played eight matches and scored a total of 95 runs. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain highlighted Naim's improved performance and approach as crucial for his selection.

"Naim has demonstrated the ability to bat with the same intensity as our recent white-ball openers," Ashraf noted. "His performance in the Dhaka Premier League has been commendable. Although Soumya Sarkar has a decade of international experience, we decided to rest him to ensure a full recovery for his return," he added.

Regarding Litton Das, Ashraf remarked, "He has faced challenges recently, but time can heal. As the T20 captain, we believe he can regain his form leading up to the next T20 World Cup. Spending more time at the crease will help him recover his form across formats."

Ashraf also mentioned that five fast bowlers were included in the squad to effectively manage the workloads of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.

"With Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed returning from injuries, we are also considering Nahid Rana's workload management, ensuring we have ample options available," he explained.

The full Bangladesh squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka includes: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Hasan Mahmud.