Tanzim Hasan Sakib Earns Maiden Call-Up for Bangladesh's First Test Against Zimbabwe

Tanzim Hasan Sakib Earns Maiden Call-Up for Bangladesh's First Test Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh's national cricket team has named fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib in their squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on April 20 in Sylhet. The call-up marks a significant milestone for Sakib, who is set to make his Test debut. He replaces Taskin Ahmed, who has been sidelined due to a left Achilles tendon injury. Taskin is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will miss the opening match of the series.

In addition to the injury replacement, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Litton Das a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Das, who is part of the Karachi Kings for the upcoming PSL, will join his team as the league commences on April 11.

The first Test against Zimbabwe will be Bangladesh's return to Test cricket after a four-month break. The squad for the match includes key returning players such as regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, both of whom missed the previous Test series against the West Indies in late 2024 due to injuries.

Offspinner Nayeem Hasan, along with fast bowlers Khaled Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan, are also part of the 15-member squad. However, notable absentees include Shahadat Hossain and Shoriful Islam, who were part of the West Indies series, as well as Hasan Murad.

Team Selection and Focus on Test Cricket

BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained the reasoning behind the selection: "We have formed the Test team with our best possible players. We are returning to Tests after four months, and with a busy schedule ahead, we want to ensure consistency and focus. Our upcoming series against Sri Lanka in June is crucial, and we aim to perform well at home."

Ashraf also emphasized the importance of giving priority to proven performers rather than experimenting with new players, given Bangladesh’s mixed results in home Tests over the past year. He expressed confidence in the squad and highlighted Tanzim’s recent strong performances in white-ball formats as the key reason behind his inclusion.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh is closely monitoring the progress of fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, who has returned to competitive cricket this season after a lengthy injury layoff.

"Tanzim has shown hunger and the ability to take wickets. He’s earned his place in the squad, and we are still observing Ebadot’s progress. We have a lot of cricket coming up, so those missing out from the first Test need not be concerned," Ashraf said.

The Bangladesh team will undergo a ten-day training camp in Sylhet ahead of the first Test, which will be played in front of home crowds. Zimbabwe is scheduled to arrive in the country on April 15.

Bangladesh's Squad for First Test Against Zimbabwe:

  • Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)

  • Mahmudul Hasan Joy

  • Shadman Islam

  • Zakir Hasan

  • Mominul Haque

  • Mushfiqur Rahim

  • Mahidul Islam

  • Jaker Ali

  • Mehidy Hasan Miraz

  • Taijul Islam

  • Nayeem Hasan

  • Nahid Rana

  • Hasan Mahmud

  • Khaled Ahmed

  • Tanzim Hasan Sakib

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