Taskin Ahmed Rested, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Return for Afghanistan Test
Dhaka: Bangladesh have announced a 15-member squad for their one-off Test against Afghanistan, with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed rested for the match. The Test is scheduled to be played in the UAE from October 9 to 13, 2026.
Along with Taskin, wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan has also been left out of the squad. Meanwhile, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Anik have earned recalls.
Hridoy's return comes shortly after his impressive unbeaten 350 against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, strengthening his case for a place in the Test side.
Jaker Ali was also part of Bangladesh's Test plans for the Australia series but was released after regular wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das recovered in time for the tour. Jaker scored 94 against South Africa A in the same match in which Hridoy hit his unbeaten triple century. He last played a Test for Bangladesh in July 2025 against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Bangladesh Test Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam.
Taskin rested with West Indies Tests in focus
BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar said Taskin has been rested with Bangladesh's upcoming World Test Championship commitments in mind.
The board wants the pacer to be fully available for the important Test assignments against the West Indies and England later in the current WTC cycle. Taskin could, however, feature in the ODI series against the West Indies to maintain his match rhythm.
Bashar also said Jaker Ali was selected in place of Amite Hasan after considering his recent form.
Nahid Rana continues rehabilitation
Fast bowler Nahid Rana remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 side strain that has kept him out since July.
According to Bashar, Rana is expected to be available from October 10. Bangladesh have four crucial home Tests remaining in the current World Test Championship cycle, and the team management wants him fully fit for the two-Test series against the West Indies and England.
Meanwhile, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, pacer Musfik Hasan and Under-19 fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon will travel with the squad as reserves.
The Afghanistan Test will be an important assignment for Bangladesh as they continue their campaign in the World Test Championship cycle.