The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed the retention of all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, despite the political challenges he is facing following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shakib, who lost his parliamentary seat amid political turmoil and protests, is currently in Canada for a Twenty20 competition but is expected to join the team in Pakistan for the two-Test matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Karachi from August 21 to September 3.
BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain emphasised the decision to include Shakib was based on cricketing merit, stating, "The emphasis was on picking our best players." Alongside Shakib, wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has been recalled after missing the previous Test series against Sri Lanka. Pacer Taskin Ahmed is also included in the squad but will only be considered for the second Test due to his lack of participation in Test cricket since June of the previous year.
Hossain praised the squad’s balance and experience, noting the combined 216 matches played by senior players like Mushfiqur, Mominul Haque, and Shakib. This tour serves as an important series for Bangladesh as part of the ICC World Test Championship, and the team will depart Dhaka on Monday for Pakistan.
Bangladesh Test Squad for Pakistan Tour:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Shadman Islam
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Liton Das
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Nahid Rana
- Shoriful Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
- Taskin Ahmed
- Khaled Ahmed