Bangladesh announce 15-member squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan

The Bangladesh Cricket Board named a 15-member squad on September 19, 2026 for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in the UAE from October 9 to 13, 2026. Najmul Hossain Shanto continues as Test captain and will lead the side in this fixture.

The squad is built around experienced middle-order batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque, who have been central to Bangladesh’s Test batting for many years. Soumya Sarkar provides a left-handed option at the top of the order alongside specialist openers Tanzid Hasan and Shadman Islam. Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy add further batting depth, while Jaker Ali Anik is included as a second wicketkeeping option.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam lead the spin attack, with Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury and Shoriful Islam forming a four-pronged pace group. Three reserves, Nayeem Hasan, Musfik Hasan and Iqbal Hossain Emon, have also been named, providing cover across batting, spin and pace disciplines.

The one-off Test is part of a broader multi-format international programme in the UAE across October and November 2026, in which Afghanistan will host both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The wider programme includes an ODI tri-series involving all three nations, as well as T20I and Test series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

Why is this Test being played in the UAE rather than in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan have used the UAE as a neutral venue for home international fixtures for several years, owing to the security and logistical constraints that prevent them from hosting matches on home soil. The one-off Test against Bangladesh follows that established arrangement. The exact venue within the UAE has not yet been confirmed by the board.

The October and November 2026 programme reflects Afghanistan’s continued reliance on neutral venues to fulfil their international calendar across all formats. Hosting Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the UAE allows Afghanistan to stage a full multi-format series without the complications that come with organising international cricket domestically.

What does the Bangladesh squad look like for this Test?

Bangladesh have selected a balanced group that leans on experience in both batting and bowling. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque are the most capped batters in the squad and have been central to Bangladesh’s Test middle order for many years. Soumya Sarkar’s inclusion adds a left-handed option at the top of the order alongside the two specialist openers, giving the side variety in the batting lineup from the outset.

The spin department is well stocked, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam both capable of bowling long spells and contributing with the bat in the lower order. The four-pronged pace attack gives the selectors flexibility depending on the conditions in the UAE, where pitches can offer assistance to both pace and spin. The three reserves provide additional cover should any member of the main squad be unavailable ahead of the fixture.

Bangladesh squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam. Reserves: Nayeem Hasan, Musfik Hasan, Iqbal Hossain Emon.