Dhaka: NAJMUL HOSSAIN SHANTO will captain a 16-member Bangladesh squad set to face Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series. The squad features a formidable five-man pace attack, although Taskin Ahmed will miss the first Test due to a lack of recent Test match experience.

According to International Cricket Council, Bangladesh’s team selection was strategically planned, keeping in mind Taskin Ahmed’s absence from Test cricket since last June. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, highlighted that Ahmed will participate in a second four-day match against Pakistan A to prepare him for the longer format. The squad also includes seasoned players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Shakib Al Hasan, who bring a wealth of experience to the team. The spin department will be led by Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who together hold over 350 wickets.

The series, which is part of a long-standing rivalry, has seen Bangladesh unable to secure a win in six previous Test series against Pakistan. The first Test is scheduled for August 21, followed by the second on August 30, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive cricketing event.