At a glance
- Bangladesh Test squad announcement sees Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan earn maiden call-ups
- Pakistan squad update features four uncapped players and return of Mohammad Abbas
- Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed Test head coach ahead of Bangladesh series
Bangladesh have turned to youth and form as they unveiled their squad for the opening Test against Pakistan in May, handing first-time red-ball call-ups to Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan in a move that signals a forward-looking approach.
Bangladesh Test Squad: Changes for Pakistan Series
| Retained | In | Out |
|---|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Tanzid Hasan | Khaled Ahmed |
| Mahmudul Hasan Joy | Amite Hasan | Jaker Ali |
| Shadman Islam | Taskin Ahmed | Hasan Mahmud |
| Mominul Haque | Shoriful Islam | Hasan Murad |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Nayeem Hasan | |
| Litton Das | ||
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | ||
| Taijul Islam | ||
| Ebadot Hossain | ||
| Nahid Rana |
Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan Earn Their Chance
Tanzid arrives with growing stature in international white-ball cricket, having already made his mark at the top of the order. His recent performances, including an ODI hundred in Mirpur on March 15, 2026, have strengthened his case for a Test debut.
Alongside him, Amite earns his place after years of consistent run-scoring in domestic cricket, where his composure and appetite for big innings have stood out.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar said the duo had long been under consideration, explaining their inclusion in comments to the media following the squad announcement.
“Tanzid has been in our thoughts for Test cricket. He has a very good first-class record and we felt he deserved the opportunity to showcase his ability in Tests.”
He added that the 23-year-old’s technique and natural stroke play could translate well into the longer format. Tanzid’s record includes 1 ODI hundred, 6 ODI fifties and 11 T20I half-centuries, alongside 5 first-class hundreds at an average of 40.72 from 25 matches.
Amite, meanwhile, has built a compelling case through domestic consistency. He averages 49.32 in first-class cricket, with 11 centuries in 49 matches, including a recent 162 in the Bangladesh Cricket League in Sylhet.
“Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period.”
Bangladesh Strengthen Bowling Options
Bangladesh have also strengthened their bowling options with the return of Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan comes back into the squad. Taskin’s inclusion is notable, marking his first Test appearance since the tour of the West Indies in December 2024.
There are however notable omissions, with Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud and Hasan Murad all left out as the selectors reshape the squad.
The two-match series begins in Dhaka from May 8–12 before moving to Sylhet from May 16–20. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Bangladesh appear intent on building momentum on home soil.
Pakistan Name New Look Squad and Coaching Staff
Pakistan will arrive with a refreshed outlook of their own, unveiling a squad that features four uncapped players and a new voice in the dressing room.
Batters Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais, all-rounder Amad Butt and wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are all in line for potential debuts, reflecting a willingness to inject fresh energy into the side.
Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas also returns, bringing experience and control to the attack. Now 36, Abbas last featured in Tests during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in 2024–25 and has since been active in the County Championship, where he claimed 6 wickets across the opening two rounds for Derbyshire.
Pakistan’s board confirmed that players will assemble for a training camp in Karachi from April 27, with those involved in the Pakistan Super League joining after the final on May 3.
A significant shift comes off the field as well, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed as the new Test head coach. The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning skipper steps into the role after serving on the national selection panel.
He will be supported by Asad Shafiq as batting coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach, forming a new-look backroom team as Pakistan prepare for the Bangladesh tour.
Pakistan Test Squad: Changes From South Africa Home Series
| Retained | In | Out |
|---|---|---|
| Shan Masood | Abdullah Fazal | Abrar Ahmed |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Amad Butt | Asif Afridi |
| Salman Ali Agha | Azan Awais | Faisal Akram |
| Khurram Shahzad | Mohammad Abbas | Abdullah Shafique |
| Hasan Ali | Muhammad Ghazi Ghori | Kamran Ghulam |
| Noman Ali | Aamir Jamal | |
| Babar Azam | Rohail Nazir | |
| Sajid Khan | ||
| Mohammad Rizwan | ||
| Saud Shakeel | ||
| Imam-ul-Haq |
With both sides embracing transition and fresh faces, the series shapes as an intriguing contest. Bangladesh will look to make home advantage count, while Pakistan arrive with renewed direction and a squad that blends experience with opportunity. View the upcoming Test fixtures here.
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