No Taskin for Sylhet test as uncapped Sakib joins Bangladesh squad
Sakib, who has already represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball matches, is one of four pacers named in the squad for the opening Test in Sylhet. His inclusion comes as Taskin continues rehabilitation for an issue with his left Achilles tendon.
Bangladesh have announced their squad for the first Test of the two-match home series against Zimbabwe, with uncapped fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib receiving his maiden call-up to the red-ball format.
Meanwhile, senior pacer Taskin Ahmed has been ruled out of the entire series due to injury.
Tanzim, who has already represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball matches, is one of four pacers named in the squad for the opening Test in Sylhet. His inclusion comes as Taskin continues rehabilitation for an issue with his left Achilles tendon.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Taskin is currently undergoing rehabilitation for his left Achilles tendon problem and is unavailable for this series," confirmed BCB's chief physician, Dr Debashis Chowdhury.
Joining Tanzim in the pace department are Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, and returning seamer Syed Khaled Ahmed. The spin options are limited to just two specialists — Mehedy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam — with left-arm spinner Hasan Murad omitted from this squad.
Among other notable inclusions, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim returns to the Test side after missing the West Indies tour due to injury. Mahidul Islam Ankon and Jaker Ali Anik have been selected as wicketkeeping options, while opener Litton Das is absent after receiving clearance to play the full Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto will lead the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz serving as vice-captain. The squad also features Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Sadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, and Mominul Haque — forming a solid top-order core.
The first Test is scheduled to begin on 20 April at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second and final Test will take place from 28 April at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, formerly known as Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Bangladesh squad:
Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Sadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehedy Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Zimbabwe squad:
Craig Ervine (captain), Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wesley Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
