Taskin Ahmed Rested as Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Return for Afghanistan Test
Bangladesh have decided to rest fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for their one-off Test against Afghanistan, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announcing a 15-member squad for the upcoming match. The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test will be played in the UAE from October 9 to 13. Taskin is the biggest omission from the squad as Bangladesh manage his workload ahead of their upcoming international commitments. Wicketkeeper-batter Amite Hasan has also been left out.
Towhid Hridoy Returns to Bangladesh Test Squad
One of the main talking points from the squad is the return of Towhid Hridoy. The batter has earned his place after an outstanding performance for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom. Hridoy scored an unbeaten 350, putting himself firmly in contention for a Test recall. His return gives Bangladesh another batting option ahead of the Afghanistan Test.
Jaker Ali Also Gets Test Recall
Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali has also returned to the Bangladesh Test squad.
Jaker was previously included in Bangladesh’s Test plans for the Australia tour when Litton Das was considered doubtful. However, Litton recovered in time and Jaker eventually missed out on the final squad. He now gets another opportunity against Afghanistan. Jaker also impressed against South Africa A, scoring 94 in the same match in which Hridoy hit his unbeaten 350.
Jaker’s Last Test Came in 2025
Jaker Ali will be looking to make the most of his return after spending more than a year away from Test cricket. His last Test appearance for Bangladesh came in July 2025 against Sri Lanka in Galle. The Afghanistan Test will give him another chance to establish himself in the longer format.
Bangladesh Squad for Afghanistan Test
The 15-member Bangladesh squad includes a mix of experienced players and returning faces, with Taskin Ahmed rested for the match.
The squad includes:
Bangladesh Test Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain.
What Taskin’s Absence Means for Bangladesh
Taskin Ahmed’s absence means Bangladesh will have to rely on other fast bowlers for the Afghanistan Test. Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam are among the pace options in the squad, while Bangladesh also have several experienced spin bowlers available. Playing conditions in the UAE could make spin an important part of the contest, although Bangladesh will still need their pace attack to provide early breakthroughs.
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test: What to Expect
The one-off Test gives both teams an important opportunity in the longest format.
For Bangladesh, the return of Hridoy and Jaker adds fresh competition for places in the batting and wicketkeeping departments. Hridoy will attract particular attention after his huge score against South Africa A.
For Afghanistan, the match will be another chance to test themselves against an experienced Test side.
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test begins on October 9 and runs until October 13 in the UAE.
