Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu has explained the inclusion of Saif Hassan in the Asia Cup squad, highlighting his versatility as a batter and part-time bowler, while noting that Jishan Alam needs more time to mature for international cricket.
Speaking to reporters at the Media Centre of the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday, Lipu said Saif can fill multiple roles in the team.
“He (Saif) may meet the purpose of bowling one or two overs. We had eyes on Saif Hassan as a back-up of No.4, 3 or in No.1 or 2 against the new ball and now he is included in the squad. He is a capable batter to bat at No.4. At the same time, if there is any situation, he also has the capability to open for the team as well. We are looking for such players who can play at multiple positions and I think the team needs them as well,” he said.
Saif made his T20I debut for Bangladesh in 2021 against Pakistan but scored just one run across two matches. He later represented Bangladesh in the 2023 Asian Games in China.
In Global Super League 2025, he scored 84 runs in three innings for Rangpur Riders at a strike rate of 127.27 and picked up three wickets. In the Top End T20 Series for Bangladesh ‘A’, he scored 132 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 121.10 and also took three wickets with an economy rate of 8.54.
“Saif can play in both top and middle order. Let’s say, if there are any issues or injuries with Towhid Hridoy, Saif can cover his place,” Lipu added.
Regarding Jishan Alam, who scored 208 runs from six innings in the Top End T20 Series for Bangladesh ‘A’ at a strike rate of 138.66, Lipu said the young batter still needs time to adjust to international cricket.
“When we judge the man of the match, we receive some names and then select one name from them. Baby willows come there, so do matured willows. So, baby willows may turn into matured willows in course of time. So, everyone is under observation. We have our eyes on Jishan. I think he needs to take a little of time to get matured and ready for international cricket. We do not want to give easy access to anyone, so that he has to be dropped quickly,” he said.
“We want our cricketers to get out of the flow and get ready by playing in the steps of domestic cricket and ‘A’ team, so that their transformation to international cricket is good enough.”
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