Bangladesh announce squad for the first Test as Pakistan begin training camp in Karachi

Bangladesh are set to host Pakistan in a two-Test match series running from May 8 to May 20. Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the 15-member squad which includes two uncapped played; Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan. 

Taskin and Shoriful return

Bangladesh have also called up pacers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, both of who have been absent from the red-ball side since West Indies tour in December 2024. Taskin was battling an Achilles tendon injury. The injury saw him miss Bangladesh’s Test series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka last year. 

Shoriful, meanwhile, has been awarded with a call-up following his spectacular form during the white-ball series against New Zealand as well as during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he represented Peshawar Zalmi. 

Will Taijul and Nayeem spin their way to win in Bangladesh?

The duo will join spinners Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, who led riot against Sri Lanka last year. Both bowlers grabbed nine wickets in each in three innings, though Bangladesh could not capitalize on their lethal form and lost the series 1-0. 

Pakistan training camp underway

Pakistan, meanwhile, have began a training camp in Karachi, which concluded on May 2. Players still involved in the PSL will join the camp after their respective team’s campaign ends. However, with PSL 11 final set to take place on May 3, the players whose teams make it to the final will fly to Bangladesh without taking part in the camp. 

Bangladesh squad for first Test:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

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