Dhaka, April 26: Bangladesh have named a 15-member squad for the first Test against Pakistan, with uncapped batters Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan receiving their maiden Test call-ups as selectors back emerging red-ball talent ahead of the two-match home series beginning May 8. The announcement marks a deliberate generational push by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to build a deeper batting pool for the longest format.

Squad Composition and Series Details

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as captain, while all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been named vice-captain. The first Test is scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur from May 8, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from May 16.

Both matches are part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, making them crucial for Bangladesh's points tally and long-term qualification ambitions. A strong home performance against Pakistan could significantly bolster Bangladesh's WTC standing.

Tanzid Hasan: A Left-Handed Opener Ready for the Step Up

Tanzid Hasan, 25, is a left-handed opening batter who has previously represented Bangladesh in limited-overs cricket. His elevation to the Test squad has been backed by a compelling first-class record of 1,792 runs in 25 matches at an average of 40, demonstrating the consistency selectors demand before making the jump.

Chief selector Habibul Bashar explained the decision: 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 has a sound technique and plenty of natural ability. We are confident that if he gets the chance, he can perform well in the longer format.

Tanzid's inclusion also addresses a long-standing concern about Bangladesh's Test opening partnerships, which have lacked stability in recent WTC cycles. His aggressive yet technically grounded style could provide the platform Bangladesh's middle order has often been denied.

Amite Hasan: Domestic Consistency Rewarded at 23

Amite Hasan, a 23-year-old middle-order batter, has earned his place through remarkable domestic output. Since his first-class debut in 2019, he has averaged 49 across 82 innings, placing him among the most reliable accumulators in Bangladesh's domestic circuit.

Habibul Bashar highlighted the temperament factor: Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket. His temperament stands out, and we believe it is well-suited for Test cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period.

Bashar also underscored the long-term vision: Both these players have time on their side and can serve Bangladesh for a very long period. This reflects the BCB's structured approach of identifying and nurturing talent through the domestic pipeline rather than reactive selection.

Key Returns: Taskin, Shoriful, and Nayeem Back in Fold

Beyond the new faces, the squad sees the return of experienced fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, both of whom had been absent from Test cricket since late 2024. Their comeback adds proven pace and experience to a bowling attack that will need to be sharp against a Pakistan batting line-up capable of posting big totals.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been recalled after a gap of nearly a year, providing an additional spin option alongside the reliable Taijul Islam and the all-round value of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The spin-friendly conditions at Mirpur and Sylhet make this combination particularly potent on home soil.

Broader Significance: Bangladesh's Evolving Red-Ball Identity

This squad announcement signals a strategic inflection point for Bangladesh Test cricket. For years, the team leaned heavily on a core group of experienced batters with limited investment in fresh Test batting talent. The dual inclusion of Tanzid and Amite suggests the BCB is now actively planning beyond the current generation.

Notably, this comes at a time when Bangladesh are seeking to consolidate their identity as a competitive Test side, having shown significant improvement in home conditions over the last two WTC cycles. The series against Pakistan, a team in transition themselves, offers an ideal opportunity for these debutants to establish themselves.

With the first Test set for May 8 at Mirpur, all eyes will be on whether Tanzid and Amite can convert their domestic pedigree into international impact and signal the beginning of a new batting era for Bangladesh.

Full Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs Pakistan: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.