Bangladesh have announced their 15-member squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with pace bowler Taskin Ahmed rested for the UAE assignment. The Test is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 13, as Bangladesh prepare for another important fixture in their ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Taskin Ahmed rested for Afghanistan Test
Taskin has been left out of the squad as Bangladesh manage their pace-bowling resources ahead of a demanding stretch of Test cricket. The experienced fast bowler’s absence will give the team’s other pacers an opportunity to take on greater responsibility during the five-day contest.
Wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan has also been omitted from the 15-member squad. In their places, Bangladesh have recalled Jaker Ali Anik and Towhid Hridoy, with both players returning after impressive performances in recent red-ball cricket.
Hridoy’s inclusion comes shortly after his remarkable unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. His return adds another batting option to a squad led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, while Jaker also comes into the group following a strong outing against the same opposition.
Jaker Ali earns another Test opportunity
Jaker struck 94 against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, narrowly missing out on a century but making a strong case for his return to the Test setup. His recall comes after a period away from the national Test side. The wicketkeeper-batter last represented Bangladesh in a Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2025. He was also initially included in Bangladesh’s Test squad for their series against Australia after Litton Das’ participation had been in doubt.
However, Jaker eventually made way once Litton recovered and became available for the tour of Australia. His latest recall now gives him another chance to establish himself in Bangladesh’s Test plans. Hridoy’s return is another notable development. His unbeaten 350 against South Africa A has strengthened his case for a place in the longer format, although the Afghanistan Test will provide a very different challenge in international cricket.
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Nahid Rana continues rehabilitation
Bangladesh will also remain cautious with Nahid Rana, who has continued his rehabilitation from a Grade 2 side strain. The fast bowler has been unavailable since July and has not been included in the squad for the Afghanistan Test.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board wants Rana to regain full fitness before the team’s more demanding home assignments. Bangladesh are scheduled to play four important home Tests during the current World Test Championship cycle, including matches against the West Indies and England.
To provide additional depth during the Afghanistan assignment, offspinner Nayeem Hasan, pacer Musfik Hasan and Under-19 fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon will travel with the squad as reserves. Bangladesh’s 15-member squad is led by Shanto and includes experienced names such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, alongside returning batters Hridoy and Jaker.
Bangladesh squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan: 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
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