Sports Desk:

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced the squad for the opening Test of the two-match home series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on 20 April at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The second Test will take place in Chattogram from 28 April.

The major talking point from the announcement is the absence of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who misses out due to injury.

BCB’s Senior Physician Dr. Debashis Chowdhury confirmed that the pacer is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a left Achilles tendon issue and has not been deemed fit for the series.

In Taskin’s absence, 22-year-old Tanzim Hasan Sakib has earned his maiden Test call-up. The right-arm fast bowler has represented Bangladesh in 28 white-ball matches but is yet to feature in the longest format.

The Test series is the beginning of a packed international calendar for Bangladesh, with the team set to play continuous cricket through early 2027.

BANGLADESH SQUAD FOR FIRST ZIMBABWE TEST:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.