Bangladesh Test squad. [Source - AFP]In a significant development, Bangladesh have named their squad for the first Test against Pakistan, which begins a two-match series in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The opening match will be played from May 8 in Dhaka.The first Test will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, a venue known to assist spinners. Both teams will be keen to start well as the series will be only two-match long and every session could be decisive.Notably, this 15-member Bangladesh squad has been picked only for the first Test, giving Bangladesh the option to make changes later if needed. The second Test will be played in Sylhet, depending on how things unfold in the series opener. New faces included in Bangladesh Test Squad for Pakistan Test Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to captain Bangladesh's Test squad, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as vice-captain. Bangladesh have kept their leadership group unchanged as they look for stability in the Test format against a strong Pakistan team. Two new players have been added to the squad. Tanzid Hasan, already a regular in white-ball cricket for Bangladesh, gets his first Test call-up after scoring over 1900 runs internationally. He has 1792 first-class runs at 40.72 average, including 5 100s and 6 50s.Amite Hasan, a 24-year-old middle-order batter, also earns his maiden call-up. He has been consistent in domestic cricket, averaging 49.32 in first-class cricket with 11 centuries and 17 half-centuries with a recent performance of 162 runs in Bangladesh's zonal tournament.Moreover, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam return to the squad as well, boosting the pace attack. Off spinner Naeem Hasan, who has 48 Test wickets in 14 matches, is also back, giving Bangladesh more options in spin-friendly conditions at home. Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs Pakistan-Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice-Captain), Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Zakir Hasan, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Naeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed. Bangladesh aim to improve WTC standing against PakistanBangladesh are currently placed eighth in the World Test Championship table with four points from two matches. Their last WTC series was against Sri Lanka in June last year, where they managed only a draw. They did win their most recent Test series against Ireland, but those matches were not part of the World Test Championship. So, they will be eager to turn their recent form into points in this competition. The last time Bangladesh faced Pakistan in Tests, they performed brilliantly and won two matches in a row during the 2024 series. That result will give them confidence going into this contest. Pakistan are currently fifth in the standings, so this series is important for both teams. Bangladesh are currently playing white-ball cricket against New Zealand and will be switching to red-ball soon to improve their position in the WTC table. Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2026 Test Series Schedule-First Test- May 8–12, Dhaka (Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium) Second Test- May 16–20, Sylhet (Sylhet International Cricket Stadium) Also Read: “Blatant Cheating”: Fans Tear Into Umpires As KKR Lose Raghuvanshi For 'Obstructing'
