BCB Announce Pakistan Test Squad Featuring Two New Faces

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the first Test of the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan, scheduled for next month. The first Test will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, while the second Test will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium starting May 16. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.

Two uncapped players have been included in the squad for the first Test. Opener Tanzid Hasan, who has already made his mark in white-ball cricket, has received his maiden call-up to the Test side. The 25-year-old left-hander has scored 1,792 runs in 25 first-class matches at an average of 40.

Another new inclusion is 23-year-old middle-order batter Amite Hasan. Since making his debut in 2019, he has played 82 first-class matches, averaging 49, which earned him a place in the squad.

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam return to the Test setup after nearly a year and a half. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been recalled after almost a year away from the format.

Chairman of the national selection panel, Kazi Habibul Bashar, said Tanzid had been under consideration for Test cricket for some time. He expressed confidence in the opener’s technique and natural ability, adding that he has the potential to perform well in the longer format if given the opportunity.

Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

Schedule (Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh – 2 Tests):

May 3 – Pakistan team arrives in Dhaka

May 8–12 – 1st Test (10:00 AM), Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

May 13 – Travel to Sylhet

May 16–20 – 2nd Test (10:00 AM), Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

May 21 – Pakistan team departs