The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced the inclusion of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed in the 15-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. The series is set to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Taskin, who last played a Test in June 2023, had taken a break from red-ball cricket to recover from a shoulder injury. He will join the Bangladesh A team for their second four-day game against Pakistan A on August 20 to prepare for the longer format. Taskin will be available for selection in the second Test, starting August 30 in Karachi.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain, chairman of the national selection panel, explained that Taskin’s inclusion in the A team game is intended to help him regain his rhythm for Test matches. The squad includes five pacers, accounting for Taskin’s availability only in the second Test.
Despite having played only 13 Tests since his 2017 debut, Taskin recently participated in the T20 World Cup and Lanka Premier League. Team physio Bayjedul Islam believes Taskin can manage his shoulder injury and is fit for Test cricket.
Bangladesh, currently joint seventh in the World Test Championship standings, will be looking to improve their position with strong performances against Pakistan in their home conditions.
