Sharmin Sultana returns to Bangladesh squad for Asia Cup and Asian Games

Top-order batter Sharmin Sultana has been recalled as the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the women's squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Sharmin, who last played for the national side against Sri Lanka in May 2026, replaces Taj Nehar, who featured in the last World Cup.

BCB women's wing chief selector Sazzad Ahmed explained the decision: "We tried Taj but she failed, which prompted us to bring Sharmin. Our other opener Dola (Dilara Akhter) is not among runs and that is the reason we are keeping another opener in the squad."

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice Captain), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sharmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Fariha Islam Trisna.

The Women's Asia Cup begins at the Dubai International Stadium on August 28. Bangladesh are in Group B alongside Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the UAE. Their campaign starts against Indonesia on August 31, followed by Sri Lanka on September 6 and the UAE on September 8. The final is on September 13.

At the Asian Games, Bangladesh face China in the quarter-final at Korogi Athletic Park on September 17. A semi-final would pit them against either India or Japan. The gold and bronze medal matches are both scheduled for September 22.