Sunday, 26th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 26th April 2026, 5:23 PM
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, featuring two significant uncapped inclusions. Following the conclusion of the multi-format home series against New Zealand, the “Tigers” are scheduled to transition to the longest format of the game under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto.
The primary talking points of the selection are the maiden Test call-ups for opening batsman Tanzid Hasan Tamim and middle-order mainstay Amit Hasan. While Tanzid has previously represented the senior national side in limited-overs international cricket, this represents his first inclusion in the red-ball setup. For Amit Hasan, the selection marks his inaugural entry into the senior international arena across any format.
The batting department has been bolstered by the inclusion of the two newcomers alongside established names such as Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, and the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. Litton Das has been named as the primary wicketkeeper-batsman for the series.
In the bowling department, the spin attack will be spearheaded by vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, supported by the experienced Taijul Islam and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan. Nayeem returns to the squad having last featured in a Test match in June 2025 against Sri Lanka. Both Miraz and Nayeem are expected to provide additional depth as bowling all-rounders.
The pace attack sees the return of senior quicks Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam after a 16-month hiatus from Test cricket. Their last appearance in the format was during the West Indies tour in November-December 2024. They join Nahid Rana and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury to complete a formidable seam battery.
The Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Habibul Bashar Suman, provided technical justifications for the new inclusions. Tanzid Hasan Tamim enters the Test fray with a solid domestic foundation. In 25 first-class matches, he has accumulated 1,792 runs at an impressive average of 40.72, including five centuries and six half-centuries.
“We have had Tanzid under consideration for the Test format for some time,” Bashar noted. “His first-class record is highly commendable, and we believe his technique is well-suited for the challenges of red-ball cricket. We are confident that he will excel if given the opportunity.”
Amit Hasan earns his call-up following an exceptional run in the domestic circuit. Boasting a first-class average of 49.32, Amit has scored 3,650 runs across 49 matches. His record includes 11 centuries and 17 fifties. His selection was further solidified by a recent “Player of the Match” performance for the East Zone against the Central Zone at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where he struck a disciplined 162 runs to secure an innings victory.
Regarding Amit, Bashar remarked: “Amit’s inclusion is a direct result of his unwavering consistency. He possesses the patience and discipline fundamental to Test cricket. We believe both these players have the potential to serve Bangladesh for a significant duration.”
The Pakistan national team is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on 3 May 2026. The opening Test match will be hosted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, starting on 8 May. The series will then conclude in the north-east, with the second Test set to commence at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 16 May.
The BCB has confirmed that the squad will begin a formal training camp in Mirpur following a short break after the New Zealand series. This series is of high importance for both nations as they look to secure vital points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
Bangladesh 15-member Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (VC), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amit Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury.
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