Wicketkeeper-batsman Jakir Ali Anik has been called up to the Bangladesh T20 squad for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. He replaces off-spinner Aliss Al Islam, who sustained a finger injury while playing for Comilla Victorians in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20.

National Team Physio Bayjedul Islam Khan provided an update on Aliss's injury, stating that he suffered a right middle finger MCP joint ligament sprain with swelling. His recovery is expected to take two to three weeks, ruling him out of the series.

Jakir, aged 26, showcased excellent form for Comilla Victorians in the BPL, accumulating 199 runs at an impressive average of 99.5 and a striking rate of 141.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, explained the decision to include Jakir in the squad. Despite having other frontline spinners like Rishad Hossain, Taijul Islam, and Shak Mahedi Hasan, they opted to bolster the middle or lower-middle order by adding Jakir. He is expected to provide depth to the batting lineup and serve as a finisher.

The T20 squad for the series against Sri Lanka includes Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Liton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Naim Sheikh, Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Taijul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Jakir Ali Anik.