Litton dreams of gold at the Asian Games

Bangladesh T20I captain Litton Das is targeting a place in the Asian Games final as the national men’s cricket team prepares to begin its campaign at the 2026 edition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Litton said the team’s preparation has been encouraging, particularly after getting the opportunity to play two practice matches following a long gap in T20 cricket.

“The preparation has been very good. We got the opportunity to play two practice games after a long time,” Litton said.

“We last played a T20I series in Zimbabwe, so these practice games gave us the chance to build bonding as a team. From a preparation point of view, I think we are very good,” he said.

The Asian Games will also mark Litton’s first appearance at the continental multi-sport event, making the tournament particularly significant for the Bangladesh captain.

“Obviously, the target is to play the final and hopefully do something good there. This is my first time playing in the Asian Games.

“I think it is a big thing to represent the national team and also compete at an event like this,” he said.

Bangladesh’s bigger ambition is to go all the way and claim the gold medal, according to Litton, who said the squad is excited about the opportunity.

“Everyone is very excited because this tournament does not come every year. The bigger dream is to win the gold, and we will all try to fulfil that,” he said.

Cricket’s scheduled return to the Olympics in the Los Angelese Games in 2028 has also added significance to the Asian Games campaign, with Litton acknowledging the attraction of competing at the world’s biggest sporting event.

“Who does not want to play in the Olympics? But first, we have to play this event well,” he said.

“Our focus is on how we can perform well here and reach the final.”

The men’s cricket event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4. The cricket competition is scheduled to take place in Nagoya.