Bangladesh have named a 15-member Test squad for the upcoming one-off match against Afghanistan in the UAE, featuring the recall of Towhid Hridoy. The middle-order batter returns to the red-ball setup following an unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’, which established a new record for the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batter in first-class cricket.
The squad selection prioritizes workload management for senior bowlers ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Taskin Ahmed has been rested for the UAE fixture to ensure availability for the subsequent series against the West Indies. Bangladesh currently holds fourth place in the 2025-27 WTC points table with three wins from six matches.
Chief selector Habibul Bashar confirmed that Taskin’s omission is a strategic decision. “Since we are prioritising our World Test Championship Tests, we want to have him fully available for the West Indies Test series, which is why he has not been included in this Test,” Bashar said.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana was also excluded due to a Grade 2 side strain. Although Rana was considered for selection, his expected recovery date of October 10 falls one day after the Test is scheduled to begin. “Nahid Rana was certainly part of our discussions. He will be available from the 10th of next month, so he has missed out on the Test match,” Bashar added.
Najmul Hossain Shanto remains captain, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz named vice-captain. The squad includes Jaker Ali Anik, reinforcing a selection trend that rewards recent form during overseas ‘A’ team tours. The match, scheduled for October 9 to 13, marks Bangladesh’s first-ever Test appearance in the United Arab Emirates.
The Tigers travel to the UAE following a 1-1 drawn series against Australia in August. The tour also includes an ODI tri-series with Zimbabwe, though the Afghanistan Cricket Board has yet to confirm the specific venue for the one-off Test.
