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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), on Sunday, announced their men’s squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. The Tigers will face Pakistan in a two-match Test series, scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21.
Taskin Ahmed rejoins Test setup
Experienced fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has been reselected for the Test squad after a hiatus. His last appearance in the longest format was in June 2023, after which he took time off from Test cricket to focus on recovering from a shoulder injury.
In a related development, Bangladesh’s A team is currently touring Pakistan, engaged in two four-day matches and three One-Day fixtures. Taskin has also been named in the A squad and is expected to participate in the second four-day match to regain his rhythm ahead of the Test series.
“We have selected five pacers, mindful of the fact that Taskin Ahmed will only play the second Test. He hasn’t bowled in a Test since June last year and we have decided to include him in the ‘A’ team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer version matches,” said Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chairman national selection panel, in a statement quoted by Cricbuzz.
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Shakib Al Hasan given preference for his vast experience
Despite their recent absence from Test cricket, Shakib Al Hasan and Shoriful Islam have been selected for the squad. The decision was driven by the desire to field the best players for the Test series. However, Shahadat Hossain and Mushfiq Hasan were left out of the final squad.
“The emphasis was on picking our best players for this version. This is a well-balanced squad. The likes of Mushfiqur (Rahim), Mominul (Haque) and Shakib (Al Hasan) have played 216 matches combined and there is no substitute for that kind of experience,” Ashraf added.
Bangladesh squad for Pakistan tour: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed
